Do you use a thermometer or just guess??

[Blooming chicks]

I use a thermometer...new at this too and dont want to make any mistakes. I bought a cheap digital thermometer at Walmart.

 

[ssledoux]

This is my 8th or 9th year raising chicks and while I will not admit to being perfect at it, I will admit that I haven't lost a single chick (well, I did lose one 6 or 7 years ago that I rescued from our feed store that had a crusted over rear end - I tried to save it but it didn't make it).

I have never used a thermometer, and I have probably never had my chicks at just the right temp. We do live in a warm climate (Louisiana), but I have had chicks as early as March 1 and have had no trouble. I just have a heat lamp they can get under, and plenty of room for them to get away. They must be okay because they are rarely huddled under the lamp. They are almost always scattered around the brooder picking away at stuff.

 

[silkiechicken]

I'm like a momma hen, she doesn't use a thermometer.

For all first timers though, I do recommend a thermometer to be used until you learn what happy vs cold chicks are.

 

[kaacres]

I like to use a thermometer the first couple days and then just let the chick tell me what to do.

I mean they are going to spend the rest of their lives bossing me around so why not start them young.

 

[ridgefire]

I had a thermometer for the first couple days but it had such a wide variance in temps, I just went off the chicks. They tell you what they want.

 

[dreammaker8482]

I use a thermometer....Its one thats made for reptile cages and it works great! The gauge thingy is at the bottom of a cord thats about a foot long, with a digital reader at the top. So, the reader hangs down by the bottom of the brooder and the reader can sit on top. It cost about $5 bucks and it gives the chicks something to beat around like tetherball....

 

[Sunny Chook Farm]

I watch the chicks...

 

[ozark hen]

My first time with chicks I used a temp. now I just watch the chicks. Much easier. LOL

 

[ams3651]

My thermometer sayd 110* and is more than 2 feet above the chicks and box, they seem ok. THey get under it and rest then go over and eat. So does that sound right. I think they look ok, maybe the thermometers no right and I dont want to raise it higher if they are fine. I need some advice.

 

[ams3651]

anyone?