Chicks toasting themselves at 100F??

[fuzzyfarmer]

I brought home 6 Easter Egger chicks from the farm store today. They had picked them up at the post office just an hour before I picked them up from the store. They seem to be doing well, eating, drinking (both Sav-A-Chick and regular water), sleeping, pooping, but they are spending a lot of time under their brooder heater thing, which has crept up to 100F (as measured by my wireless cooking thermometer on the floor in the warmest spot). They seem to love it toasty! One of them has found a corner that stays extra toasty and squished herself in there.

Should I be concerned? Should I try to lower the temperature? I figured maybe they're just cold and tuckered out from being shipped through the mail and I'd give them a day with extra warmth but I don't want to harm them. I did some quick searches through the forums and google and didn't find this issue addressed (didn't do a super thorough search though because I was kind of obsessively checking on the chicks). The internet tells me they shouldn't be above 100 but they huddle under there if I lower it.

 

[jher77]

As long as they have a cooler place to escape the heat, they will be fine. If so, 100 F is perfect.

 

[CluckerFamily]

 

[rosemarythyme]

As long as they have a cooler place to escape the heat, they will be fine.

x2. Make sure they have a warm and cool zone to use (and have food and water in the cooler side) and let them decide what is comfortable to them.

 

[fuzzyfarmer]

Yep their food and water is on the cool side and they have been venturing out to eat and drink. This morning they are milling around eating and seem to be doing good. I guess I like a roasting hot shower or a good bonfire every now and again, too

Thanks for all your assurances!

On a related note, is there a good "what to watch out for in baby chicks" guide? I have read about pasty butt, not being able to stand, lethargy, and bad poops - thankfully haven't seen any of that yet. I'm getting Storey's chicken book from the library but it hasn't arrived yet.

 

[tigger19687]

That is not going to be accurate, get one for air temp. I have one on the floor under the heater about an inch in and check it a few times a day.
It's probably more like 95° but so long as they have a cool spot all will be well.
Some like it Hot... lol isn't that a song

 

[rosemarythyme]

On a related note, is there a good "what to watch out for in baby chicks" guide? I have read about pasty butt, not being able to stand, lethargy, and bad poops - thankfully haven't seen any of that yet. I'm getting Storey's chicken book from the library but it hasn't arrived yet.

I guess just use common sense - if there's anything off (like you said, lethargy, weird poop, sudden behavioral changes), post as much detail about what you're seeing that's different in the Emergency forums and someone should be able to give you guidance.

 

[fuzzyfarmer]

I guess just use common sense - if there's anything off (like you said, lethargy, weird poop, sudden behavioral changes), post as much detail about what you're seeing that's different in the Emergency forums and someone should be able to give you guidance.

Thanks I've been keeping an eye out for pasty butt but so far all I've seen is poopy butt - poop stuck in feathers around their butts but not actually on the vent. I've been cleaning that off anyway. There's so much info out there it's hard to know how to "high grade" it, being a first-time chick-raiser.