heat lamp and new chicks

[g.a.boy]

my chick are 4 days old i have them in a closet. my ac stays at 72 degress. Is a 250 watt heat lamp to much? They huddle up and stay away from the lamp. it points to a corner allowing them to self regulate. Any input is much appreciated

 

[nemoandrunt]

I am definitely no expert but I heard that if they are huddled away from the lamp it is too hot. Do they have to stay in the closet? Maybe opening up the door to let some air in would be good. Again, no expert but when my chickens huddled in the corner away from the lamp, I shut it off for awhile. Good Luck!

 

[stonykill]

do you have a thermometer in there? It should be 95 degrees for the 1st week.
It's too hot. The chicks are telling you that. Try raising the lamp higher.

 

[TouchO'Lass]

Do you have a thermometer so you can see what the temp is? The general rule is that they should start their first week at 95*, 2nd week 90*, etc. It's explained better on the BYC learning pages.

Mine didn't like it that hot and preferred about 85 the first week, so it's a matter of watching how they respond as you raise or lower the lamp. And without letting them get in a draft, some ventilation is prolly a good thing, too.

Good Luck!

 

[g.a.boy]

thanks for the help everyone. I am new to this so bare with me. I swapped the light out to a standard 100 watt bulb. the closet has a air vent in it so it gets fresh air flow. But i got rid of the 250 watt heat lamp went with a standard 100 watt. I am goin to wait for 30 minutes see if they calm back down since i woke them up then go from there. tomorrows shopping list 1. THERMOMETER