First time with baby chicks

[webster6]

We got 8 chicks today and are struggling with the heat lamp. Does the lamp need to be closer, further away, or good spot?

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[macdona pride]

Do you have a thermometer? Check the temperature. Ideally you want it around 95 degrees.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I'm concerned that your set-up just won't work well. The cage is too small, and wire walls all around won't keep enough heat available to the new babies. I use either a large dog airline crate, or a stock tank with a hardware cloth lid. For only eight chicks, a large plastic box with the frond cut out and hardware cloth there and over the top would work, or a wooden or even a cardboard (big) box. Huddled chicks are chilled. How are they now? About 95F in one side of the brooder, with space to move around to adjust their comfort level and eat and drink easily. Too hot or too cold are both bad, but there must be options for the chicks to find good spots. Mary

 

[webster6]

Modified chick set up.

 

[Folly's place]

Better! Get a wire/screen cover for the entire top; they will be flying before you know it. If the chicks are scattering around and comfortable everywhere, it's fine. If they are tight together under the lamp, make it a warmer for them. Mary