chicks too hot/cold? Unsure of age

[Madimhunter]

Hi all! I am raising two more chicks to add to our flock! Although I’m just as nervous all over again. They were pretty lively when I got them home but now they are sleeping. I can’t tell if they are too hot or too cold? Can anyone give me some insight? Thanks very much!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

6 - 8 weeks they are likely too hot.
They wouldn't need heat of any kind at that age.

 

[Madimhunter]

6 - 8 weeks they are likely too hot.
They wouldn't need heat of any kind at that age.

Hi! They had lamps over them at Running’s so perhaps I’m getting their age wrong!

 

[21hens-incharge]

They don't even appear to be one week old.

I think to hot.....but recommend you put a thermometer in there.

How big is that brooder? Can they get fully away from the heat?

The feeder and water should be out from under the heat.

 

[Madimhunter]

They don't even appear to be one week old.

I think to hot.....but recommend you put a thermometer in there.

How big is that brooder? Can they get fully away from the heat?

The feeder and water should be out from under the heat.

I’m going to make some adjustments! Thank you for your insight!

 

[Tytsofie]

View attachment 2134742

Hi all! I am raising two more chicks to add to our flock! Although I’m just as nervous all over again. They were pretty lively when I got them home but now they are sleeping. I can’t tell if they are too hot or too cold? Can anyone give me some insight? Thanks very much!

22 years of chicken life and i’d just say they’re a little too hot. They huddle together for comfort sometimes, despite the temperature. But those red bulbs get far hotter than what the thermometer says in my experience. If you can raise it a few more inches then I definitely would.

 

[Madimhunter]

22 years of chicken life and i’d just say they’re a little too hot. They huddle together for comfort sometimes, despite the temperature. But those red bulbs get far hotter than what the thermometer says in my experience. If you can raise it a few more inches then I definitely would.

Will do! Thank you!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Hi! They had lamps over them at Running’s so perhaps I’m getting their age wrong!

Knowing the exact age would help. But just because the feed store had lamps over them doesn't mean they needed it. Feed stores usually know very little about poultry other than where they keep the feed. Possibly, they had the lights positioned much higher and had more cool space so the chicks could find their personal comfort zone.

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

Yes those chicks look like up to a week old and likely a bit warm. See how they are lying in the far corner away from the lamp?
Ideally in a brooder you should have a warm area, directly under which the chicks will choose to sleep if the temp is right, and much cooler areas where the heat hardly reaches containing the food and water. This gives the chicks the most natural and safe environment (with a mother hen they will snuggle under her for warmth and sleep and emerge to eat and drink.) As they grow they will spend less and less time directly under the heat.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I would change out the 250 watt infrared lamp and go for something between 75 and 150 watt in such a small space. If they still shy away from the heat, elevate it more.
Ceramic heat emitters are great for this so you can provide heat as well as a daily light and dark period.