Chicks at the Post Office Now!

[NeuseWorks]

I have 15 chicks (5 Light Brahmas, 5 Gold Laced Wyandotte & 5 Arancanas from Cackle) at the post office waiting to be picked up in an hour or two. This is the first time I've had chicks this young and I have one question. We are expected to be in the high 80's to very low 90's during the day and around 70 at night for the next 2 weeks here. They will be in my storage room off the back of the garage in a 3ftx4ft cardboard box for the first couple of weeks. With temps in this range I'm not sure how much heat/light to provide them at night.

Should I just use a small (25w?) bulb or more to provide heat or just a 7-1/2w to 15w bulb to provide a bit of light for them? I'm worried about them getting too hot not too cold. I can put the light on a timer to control the time it is on, i.e. not during the hottest part of the day...

 

[schmoo]

I'd say set up the 25 watt and experiment tonite. They really need it warm the first couple weeks. 95 degrees for week one and then take off 5 degrees each week. The only way to be sure is with a thermometer -put it directly under the light where the chicks will be to check your temps. If they get too hot the can always move away from the light. Too cold is not good though, because then they smother each other trying to stay warm.

 

[NeuseWorks]

Sounds like a logical plan. Got the thermometer and an assortment of bulbs ready to roll. I can always raise the light if needed. Thanks Schmoo!

 

[Motherhenandflock]

Sorry if you already know this, but the chicks will be thirsty. Dip their beaks in their water as you lift them out of the shipping box. Make sure everybody gets a good drink before you set them in their new home!
Until they start getttin feathers, they have a hard time staying warm, that's why it's important to provide the light for warmth. No drafts, that's important too. And for sure make sure the storage room is safe from the bad critters that would love to have chicken nuggets.

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[NeuseWorks]

All the instructions I've read (including Cackle's) have specified dipping the beaks. The storage room is totally enclosed like part of the house and safe from predators except maybe a 2-1/2 year old. I have her under control most of the time.

Pics of the new kids this weekend.