HELP! CAN CHICKS GET TOO HOT?

[TitiBebbs]

I've got seven brand new babies in a box under a heat lamp in the kitchen. They have already found the water and been drinking and eating some. But it looks like 2 of them are panting. Their little mouths are open and they seen to be breathing faster than the others. Could it be too hot in there? Is this normal? Should I make them take water from a dropper or my fingers? They did take water from my fingers earlier but then found the water cup. What?!?!? I have to work in the morning and would gladly call in if substitutes weren't in short supply this week. YIKES!

 

[babyboy1_mom]

Yes, chicks can get too hot. Are the rest of them huddled together or are they spread out away from one another? How big is your brooder? Do they have enough room to get out from under the light, if they are too hot?

Dorothy

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

Your box has to be big enough for them to get away from the heat when they get too warm.
Move your heat lamp so it is only over a corner of the box, see if that helps. If not, you will have to raise it up some to find the right height for your chicks.

Jean

 

[TitiBebbs]

I've got a standard 10 ream paper box, like form office depot. I cut a corner out of the lid (maybe 6" x 6") to keep the chicks in. I placed a wire thing on top (like for organizing the cabinets) again to keep them in. I've got one of those industrial type heat lamps pretty close to the box. They are in the house and the ac is on (Florida weather) whether it will turn on tonight or not is left to be seen. I'm afraid they will get chilled but I'm afraid they will get too hot. I'm just so confused. I can't find a place to raise the light; it is awkward and won't clip onto anything. Maybe I can clip it to the back of a chair.

I prefer cool to cold temperatures myself, so maybe the temperature is good and I'm just thinking that I'd be hot and hating life so they might, but maybe not them.

I'll move the light up some and just pray for the best.

 

[babyboy1_mom]

I would say that they are definitely getting too hot. I have a big plastic tote that I keep mine in. The top is completely open. I have a piece of hardware cloth over the top, to keep them in. The heat lamp is clipped over one corner, that way they can move out from under it.

If the box is completely closed, except for a 6"x 6" hole, then yes tooooo hot.

Dorothy

 

[ruth]

I agree - too hot. A small cardboard box with the lid on and heat lamp will heat up like an easy-bake-oven with no fresh air. Take the top off - they can't jump that high yet - those paper boxes are pretty deep. You can later add a piece of chicken wire or screen or use the rack from the oven (improvise) as a top.

 

[Eggseronious]

First thing to remember when raising baby chicks "a thermometer is a baby chicks best friend" get u a thermometer in there asap. 98-100 then U can lower it 5 degrees per week. The chicks will tell you also if they are too hot , they will move away from the lamp if they can. If they are too cold they will get right under the lamp. Better get that heat adjusted or u will have dead chicks!!

 

[ruth]

They must have fresh air though and they can't get it in a closed cardboard box. Recommended temp is 95 for first week but that woud be too hot without airflow. I rarely have mine at 95 though because I found they were just too hot. I use large cardboard moving boxes - without lids as brooder boxes - and I've found the cardboard really holds heat.

 

[TitiBebbs]

I've taken the heat lamp away and switched to a standard 100 watt light bulb. Hopefully that will do. I'm rather limited, since it is after midnight. I'll probably not sleep well tonight for worrying. I notice that they are moving a bit more and not all rushing to the back side of the box. It also feels cooler that it did before.

The E-Z-Bake oven reference hit home. that is exactly what it felt like when I checked them. I don't have a thermometer, but will surely get one. What kind? Will any standard type work or is there s certain type?

It was easier last year when we could leave them all outside in the pen. I wouldn't dare now because the mice are so bad now. the rabbits are pesty too.

Thanks!

 

[ruth]

I never use a thermometer. I just watch the chicks. Again, leave the top off so they can get some fresh air. Then set your light and watch. After a while if you find them all huddled under light they are too cold and light should be lowered. If they are as far away as they can get and not moving around much they are too hot and light can be raised or lower wattage bulb put in. They should be running around foot loose and care free when temps are "just right".