Finally.. I think I have it...

[tvett62]

So I had to scrap the brooder in the pole barn idea..... I could not get the temps up no matter what I did....
So plan B and one I am happier with. I got a huge tote and set up the light securely and yes we have success.... For the most part. I have 2 thermometers in the box but they do not agree... One is about 5 degrees higher than the other. So my question is is it better to be a couple degrees warmer than 95 so the chicks can move away a bit from the direct heat or a bit cooler? I would think cooler would make them pile up and that could be bad. So which is it and I hope the thermometer that comes with the chicks is more precise. If I remove the towel on the end the temps dip below 95 so I want too leave it until I see how the chicks do when they come.

Any suggestions? And yes the light is very secure and far from anything that will be a hazard..

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'd opt for cooler. It is no surprise that they don't agree. Very few are accurate.
They will still pile up at night regardless of temperature. As long as they are moving about between zones during the day, they are comfortable.

 

[Justso]

I think 95 is too hot. 5° makes a difference.
I usually shoot for 80, especially with the fair number of chicks.
But here's a good article:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens.47691/

 

[rosemarythyme]

Cooler is better, so I'd aim for 90 on one thermometer and 95 on the other.

I'd 100% take off that towel. Not only is it a fire hazard but you do NOT want to keep warm air trapped on that side. The side the lamp is on should be the warm side. The other side should be around 10 degrees or more cooler than the lamp side.

 

[tvett62]

Cooler is better, so I'd aim for 90 on one thermometer and 95 on the other.

I'd 100% take off that towel. Not only is it a fire hazard but you do NOT want to keep warm air trapped on that side. The side the lamp is on should be the warm side. The other side should be around 10 degrees or more cooler than the lamp side.

thank you I will do that I just was not sure if they would all pile up and squish if they got cold.