Fighting over the thermostat

[SemiSweet2391]

I’ve seen two of my chicks out from under the brooder plate several times; they seem like maybe they were too hot. Sometimes they go under there too, though.

I’ve got the plate on a slant so one side is warmer than the other. Should I raise the cooler side even more or is it ok if sometimes they go under and sometimes they are not? Everyone else seems happy with the brooder plate temps!

 

[FrostRanger]

That's what they're supposed to do, go under when they're too cold and then come out when they're warm enough. They are going to need a larger brooder though as they get older and more active

 

[SemiSweet2391]

That's what they're supposed to do, go under when they're too cold and then come out when they're warm enough. They are going to need a larger brooder though as they get older and more active

Ok thanks! And for sure. I’m hoping to integrate them earlier into the coop. It’s very warm here

 

[Kiki]

Ok thanks! And for sure. I’m hoping to integrate them earlier into the coop. It’s very warm here

I don't know what your weather is like but if I had chicks right now in my house in Texas I wouldn't have any added heat on them and I for sure wouldn't have any added heat if they were outside.

 

[Intuit]

I’ve seen two of my chicks out from under the brooder plate several times; they seem like maybe they were too hot. Sometimes they go under there too, though.

I’ve got the plate on a slant so one side is warmer than the other. Should I raise the cooler side even more or is it ok if sometimes they go under and sometimes they are not? Everyone else seems happy with the brooder plate temps!

I woul leave the plate flat so the chicks can spread out a bit if they need. Follow the standard rules for temps at their age and they'll be fine

 

[SemiSweet2391]

I don't know what your weather is like but if I had chicks right now in my house in Texas I wouldn't have any added heat on them and I for sure wouldn't have any added heat if they were outside.

Our temps are probably very similar. They are a week old, it's 78 in the house, outside it's high 80s-low 90s, lows mid 70s. Although it will cool off significantly next week, high 70's low 60's.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Watching a broody hen raise chicks can be instructive. For the first couple of days after hatch they tend to spend a lot of time under her staying warm. But usually around the third day they spend a lot of time out eating, drinking, and playing, only going back under her when they need to warm up. Of course, how long they stay out depends on how cold the weather is but broodies can raise chicks with snow on the ground.

To me it sounds as if yours are acting as they should. Good luck and enjoy them.