cold in brooder this morning... should I be worried?

[mradam]

I checked on my chicks last night around 1 am(their first night), and the temp was fine (about 95 degrees).

I woke up at 6 am today to check on them and their temp was down to eighty. I lowered the lamp and recovered a window that had come uncovered during the night. They were huddled under the lamp, but acting alert and normal.

Are they likely ok, or do I need to be concerned about their health now? (I have fixed the temp problem so it won't happen again.)

Thanks all!

 

[jimnjay]

They will be fine. Remember that day old chicks are boxed up in groups of 25 and mailed all over the United States. They spend anywhere between 12-24 hours in temps. that are well below 80 degrees. I have also noticed that when a mama raises chicks they are often out from under her for much longer than you might think and in all kinds of weather. Just make sure they have a way to move closer to the heat source if they need to.

 

[mradam]

Ok, now I feel better. MAN, keeping these little ones is like having more kids! I'm constantly worried about them.

Thank you for easing my mind this morning.

 

[twigg]

They will be fine.

When they get cold they will slow down eating and drinking. This will slow their growth rate a little. That's not a problem on an occasional basis, and may even lead to hardier chicks; but they should probably be kept warm if possible.

 

[horsejody]

They will be fine. Just watch for pasty butt.