Help! Are my chicks gunna die?

[Ms. Cluckingly]

My bigger girls are about a month and a half. They are pretty much all feathered out. My oldest out there is 2 months. My babies are about 3 days old. They are ok now, my 10 year old is taking good care of them, but it is raining and yucky and cold, and for the rest of the weeks, the lowest at night will be about 38 for the next two days. Then it'll be in the 40s at night the rest of the week, so I would have liked them to continue the use of their heat lamp. SO, is there a switch to a heat lamp, or does it just come on when you plug it in?

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

I've never seen a switch on a true heat lamp.

 

[Ms. Cluckingly]

OK then. I have the one I got at the feed store with a red bulb. I just wanted to be sure before I frustrated myself looking for it. It's been one of those days today.

 

[OCD]

I used to rehab wildlife and when cold babies would come in, we would stick them in our bra, or under our shirt to warm them. If you use a heating pad, make sure you only have it under half the cage and always on low. Warming towels in the microwave works well, too, just check for hot spots!
Good luck to you!!!!

 

[La_TomboyGirl]

I've always just used a regular old lamp & a plastic tote for a brooder. Just raise/ lower the lid to adjust heat, cover gaps w/ a towel if need be. Has worked for 3 years in a row & no fires, sickly chicks, or any other drawbacks.