Figuring out my brooder temp

[Aliviasoko]

Hi there! I am new to raising chicks and wanted to ask if my chicks are okay. I have four 2-3 week old chicks in my brooder. I read they need to be at 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. I have a heater at the top of their enclosure and have been taking the temperature inside next to where they are huddled in the other corner. The temperature has been 82-83F and they are still huddled in the opposite corner together. Are they too warm? Should I raise the heater further away? Thanks for any advice. (Also I am not leaving the thermometer directly next to them inside, just set it for the picture)

 

[CabritaChicks]

1. The thermometer should stay in the brooder at all times for accurate monitoring. I use a reptile thermometer for all the birds I hatch or care for—it provides more consistent and reliable readings, and even humidity levels.
2. From the picture, those chicks look younger than 2-3 weeks old—maybe closer to 1-2 weeks? At three weeks they are fluttering and out of control... my hubby calls it 'excessive acceleration'- haha. In which case, 85-90 is acceptable, but without heat- they cant digest. I am not in the thought process of excessive heat- but make sure the air quality is also good- you have them in your house- ensure there are no air freshener. Cant tell you how many times chicks die from that.
3. What kind of light are you using? It looks like a white bulb. Chicks do best with a red or infrared light (I do total blackout) since constant bright light can be stressful. I wouldn’t want to sleep under a bright light 24/7, and they probably don’t either!

Also, are the chicks panting or holding their wings slightly away from their bodies? Those are signs that they may be too hot. If they seem lethargic or are avoiding the heat source entirely, raising the heater a little and ensuring they have a cooler area to move to might help.

Lastly- make sure they are drinking! I find birds hate it when their water has pine shavings in it. Spoiled. lol.

Let us know how they’re acting—it’ll give a better idea of what adjustments might be needed!

 

[CabritaChicks]

Here is an example. So your chicks are much younger, or may not feel good due to heat or illness.

 

[rosemarythyme]

How big is that brooder? By having heat right in the middle they can't get away from it. Your temperature readings need to be taken from the hottest spot and the coolest spot in the brooder - if they're 2-3 weeks then 80-85 directly under the lamp is fine but away from it should be more like 70 or below.