So this is only my second batch of baby chicks. Last time we did them in April in the house... and I will never go through that again! The chick dust made me crazy/allergic.
So, I've decided to raise this next batch in the shed. And the next batch of 25 chicks is arriving next week. Unfortunately, the shed's not really insulated. It's draft-free, but it does get to similar temperatures as outside. Lately, the lows have been around 28-32˚F.
My main question is: if I have a 250W red heat lamp on all the time, will it be warm enough in there for the little guys? My setup is a cardboard perimeter with 6in-thick pine shavings. Would placing bales of straw around the perimeter help insulate a little bit so that it stays warmer in there?
Another thought: if I do have to raise them indoors, what age are they okay to be in cold weather (below freezing)?
Thanks for any advice!
So, I've decided to raise this next batch in the shed. And the next batch of 25 chicks is arriving next week. Unfortunately, the shed's not really insulated. It's draft-free, but it does get to similar temperatures as outside. Lately, the lows have been around 28-32˚F.
My main question is: if I have a 250W red heat lamp on all the time, will it be warm enough in there for the little guys? My setup is a cardboard perimeter with 6in-thick pine shavings. Would placing bales of straw around the perimeter help insulate a little bit so that it stays warmer in there?
Another thought: if I do have to raise them indoors, what age are they okay to be in cold weather (below freezing)?
Thanks for any advice!