got chicks in winter, new to chickens

[JustAChillGuy]

they aren't here yet but is there anything different to do? I won't have them for more than two weeks but they'll be outside in a brooder with a strong heat lamp. it snows here ands like 25-30 f at night. i was thinking maybe adding a heating pad along with the lamp I have one meant for lizards that I think would work i dont know much tho thanks guys!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

they aren't here yet but is there anything different to do? I won't have them for more than two weeks but they'll be outside in a brooder with a strong heat lamp. it snows here ands like 25-30 f at night. i was thinking maybe adding a heating pad along with the lamp I have one meant for lizards that I think would work i dont know much tho thanks guys!

Welcome To BYC

I was curious as to why you are only going to have them for a couple of weeks, your intro gave me a clue.

I ask a lot of questions, this is how I learn, I'm also a bit nosey if you must know that too , so I'm not needling you, just asking and curious.

You got chicks, I assume as a present for Christmas? Does your girl have a place to keep chicks - coop/run? Does she have any experience with raising chick(en)s?

Where are you going to place the brooder, can you post a pic? Is the brooder somewhere out of the wind/elements?

If you are getting day old chicks, they need to have a space that is secure from predators. In winter, they need protection from wind and drafts especially. Warm side of the brooder start at 90-95F, cool side where water and feed is kept can be cold. I've had chicks outside at those temps you mention, but you must check on chicks frequently to ensure water is not frozen and they are eating/drinking well, getting under the heat to warm up, etc.

If the lamp is strong and keeps the brooder warm, then the heating pad may not be needed, but keep it handy just in case there's a failure of the lamp or...whatever, it's nice to have a backup.




https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-here.1646761/

 

[JustAChillGuy]

Welcome To BYC

I was curious as to why you are only going to have them for a couple of weeks, your intro gave me a clue.

I ask a lot of questions, this is how I learn, I'm also a bit nosey if you must know that too , so I'm not needling you, just asking and curious.

You got chicks, I assume as a present for Christmas? Does your girl have a place to keep chicks - coop/run? Does she have any experience with raising chick(en)s?

Where are you going to place the brooder, can you post a pic? Is the brooder somewhere out of the wind/elements?

If you are getting day old chicks, they need to have a space that is secure from predators. In winter, they need protection from wind and drafts especially. Warm side of the brooder start at 90-95F, cool side where water and feed is kept can be cold. I've had chicks outside at those temps you mention, but you must check on chicks frequently to ensure water is not frozen and they are eating/drinking well, getting under the heat to warm up, etc.

If the lamp is strong and keeps the brooder warm, then the heating pad may not be needed, but keep it handy just in case there's a failure of the lamp or...whatever, it's nice to have a backup.




https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-here.1646761/

awesome. yeah i had a work friend come over and make me a brooder hes got various poultry so I assume he knew what he was doing. its right outside my kitchen door under an awning with sides. girlfriends had chickens but something got them a few months ago and shes been talking bout it since. i made sure she fixed everything first which she did cause she was gonna get more in the spring. she knows a crap ton more than I do i'm just the step-dad lol

 

[horror_trashcan]

they aren't here yet but is there anything different to do? I won't have them for more than two weeks but they'll be outside in a brooder with a strong heat lamp. it snows here ands like 25-30 f at night. i was thinking maybe adding a heating pad along with the lamp I have one meant for lizards that I think would work i dont know much tho thanks guys!

I am also getting winter chicks. It was quite cold the first week I had my first batch but it will stay cold for my next and snow as well. My brooder is next to my house and I don't have many predators walking up to my door, we keep the outside light on as well.
I'm not super experienced or anything but here is my two cents.

I check on mine every 2hrs although I understand if that's not something you have time for. Try for at least every 4-6hrs, once in the morning and once before bed. Top up their food and water so they don't run out.
Check for pasty butt if they are going to be shipped since you're using a heat lamp. Make sure your car is warm and brooder prepared when you bring them home, the least amount of stress you can cause them the better. Leave them alone for the first day beside to monitor.

I replace their water with warm when I notice its cold. It isn't a bad idea to have a thermometer near the heat lamp that way you do not need to open the brooder to check the temp. That will let all the heat out.

Especially make sure they stay dry. Do not use something they can walk in/on for water. I had a chick die from cold shock just from putting its feet in.

Good Luck.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

awesome. yeah i had a work friend come over and make me a brooder hes got various poultry so I assume he knew what he was doing. its right outside my kitchen door under an awning with sides. girlfriends had chickens but something got them a few months ago and shes been talking bout it since. i made sure she fixed everything first which she did cause she was gonna get more in the spring. she knows a crap ton more than I do i'm just the step-dad lol

Sounds good!

I'm sure she'll love having the chicks.