Gosh, I feel stupid!

[shelleyd2008]

What is the brooder temp supposed to be for newly hatched chicks? It's been so long since I've had them, I can't remember! I have been hatching ducks and quail too much this winter, it has me all confused!

 

[redhen]

i think 95.., and then bring it down every week...yours truely, The Hatch Master...

 

[william9792]

95 deg then drop it 5 deg each week till you reach 70 deg

 

[shelleyd2008]

Thanks, that's what I was thinking, but for some reason it sounded too warm. I went to check it, and it said 85, one of the chicks was laying on the floor like it was dead! I freaked, the chick freaked, and all was well.

But I figured I should ask, just to be sure!

 

[wings]

I judge how warm the brooder should be by where the chicks are in the brooder. If they are all on the edges, it's too hot. If they are smushed in the middle, it is too cold. If they are spread out, it's just right.