Heat

[MaceeEidson]

We have 7 new chicks, we are two year old chicken parents to 8 adult hens but new to the babies! I set the brooder up and had a friend inform me they thought they might be hot with the lamp and the heat “table” so I removed the lamp. It’s around 75 degrees in our garage so I assume they’ll be ok with the heat source. I went out to check on everyone after removing the lamp and they are all quiet under the table… I’m thinking it’s a win but my anxiety is telling me to worry. Any tips or ideas welcome! I just want happy healthy babies

 

[AGeese]

Sounds like they'll be fine with a heat table they can get under. Lamps are overrated.

 

[MaceeEidson]

Sounds like they'll be fine with a heat table they can get under. Lamps are overrated.

Thank you! They just got very quiet and calm and I don’t know it didn’t make me feel better ha I’ll be happy to be beyond the baby baby stage

 

[AGeese]

Listen to them they'll tell you what they need. Sounds like they're good right now. If they spread out from each other they're probably too hot, if they're all huddled togather it might be on the cooler side, if they're evenly spaced out around the heat source and quiet they're probably content.

 

[MaceeEidson]

Before they were avoiding the lamp but huddled bedsides random darts… removed the light now e everyone is under the plate and quiet… I’m hoping this is a good sign?

 

[AGeese]

Yes since the heat source is now under the plate instead of the lamp they'll probably huddle a little more unless they get too warm. What kind of heating element is this exactly?

 

[MaceeEidson]

Yes since the heat source is now under the plate instead of the lamp they'll probably huddle a little more unless they get too warm. What kind of heating element is this exactly?

Rural365 Chick Heating Plate. It looks like a table but I have it shorter on one end so everyone can walk to more or less warmth. So farm they’re under and not making a sound. Which I HOPE is a good sign

 

[AGeese]

Yes it is a good sign. They'll start peeping and getting restless if they're too hot. I haven't used that brand of brooder plate, but I have used others and that's really all you need. It's supposed to mimic the heat a mother hen gives off. They shouldn't be hot, but warm to the touch. You'll have to do some adjusting as they grow, but as long as they can get under and touch their backs to it they should be fine.

 

[MaceeEidson]

Yes it is a good sign. They'll start peeping and getting restless if they're too hot. I haven't used that brand of brooder plate, but I have used others and that's really all you need. It's supposed to mimic the heat a mother hen gives off. They shouldn't be hot, but warm to the touch. You'll have to do some adjusting as they grow, but as long as they can get under and touch their backs to it they should be fine.

You have been so helpful! I really appreciate your knowledge. I plan on raising it maybe a little over the weekend, it’s got really unlimited ways to raise which I like. I just checked again and everyone appears quiet

 

[AGeese]

You have been so helpful! I really appreciate your knowledge. I plan on raising it maybe a little over the weekend, it’s got really unlimited ways to raise which I like. I just checked again and everyone appears quiet

You're welcome, I ran myself ragged learning the ropes with heat. I personally like to have options, so I keep a ceramic heat emitter around (if needed) and an extra plate that way, if one malfunctions I've got a backup or I can alternate between the two and extend the life of the heating elements which do wear out over time, that is if you ever plan to do it again.