Help me please!

[BigBlueHen53]

Hi, welcome to the joys of raising baby chicks! Can you move the lamp to one side so it's only heating one half of the brooder? You want to give the chicks a cool zone and a warm zone so they can pick their spot. Some of your chicks are indicating they are too warm by holding their wings away from their bodies to cool off, and all of them are spread apart, which shows they are plenty warm. Chicks that get too hot are more likely to get pasty butt. It's better for them to be a little cool, because they can huddle together to get warm if they need to.

If they are in distress you will know it by their cheeping. They will SOUND distressed, almost like they are screaming. Otherwise, they should be gently peeping, contentedly talking to each other. If they are screaming, something is wrong. They could be too cold, too hot, hungry, thirsty or constipated - if everything else is okay, check for pasty butt. Otherwise, relax. Mama hens aren't very bright and they raise chicks all the time. You only have to be smarter than that! You'll do fine.

 

[Crystac]

i would keep the light toward one side. that way they can get away from it.

my guess was either scientist, dentist, pilot or engineer. no farmer would have a digital thermometer in the brooder.

To be honest the thermometer comes in handy. It really does. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. I'm so happy I joined this page.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Oops, I see the lamp is to one side.. that's what I get for writing a novel, lol.

 

[Crystac]

Hi, welcome to the joys of raising baby chicks! Can you move the lamp to one side so it's only heating one half of the brooder? You want to give the chicks a cool zone and a warm zone so they can pick their spot. Some of your chicks are indicating they are too warm by holding their wings away from their bodies to cool off, and all of them are spread apart, which shows they are plenty warm. Chicks that get too hot are more likely to get pasty butt. It's better for them to be a little cool, because they can huddle together to get warm if they need to.

If they are in distress you will know it by their cheeping. They will SOUND distressed, almost like they are screaming. Otherwise, they should be gently peeping, contentedly talking to each other. If they are screaming, something is wrong. They could be too cold, too hot, hungry, thirsty or constipated - if everything else is okay, check for pasty butt. Otherwise, relax. Mama hens aren't very bright and they raise chicks all the time. You only have to be smarter than that! You'll do fine.

Thank you so much! I moved the light and when I got them I cleaned some of their butts because they had a lot of build up. Since we got home and washed they haven't had any. They always have that calm cheep. Just normal chit chat. You all are life savers. I'm so happy I found this page. I already feel more at ease

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Good! Now go to bed and get some rest. They'll be fine till morning.

 

[rosemarythyme]

You really could use a bigger brooder, though for now they might be ok since they're still small. But ideally you want them to have access both warm and cool areas (like 10F+ cooler) so they can cool off if it's too warm for them.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You really could use a bigger brooder, though for now they might be ok since they're still small. But ideally you want them to have access both warm and cool areas (like 10F+ cooler) so they can cool off if it's too warm for them.

True that. You'll also need to raise the lamp every few days to make the brooder cooler over time till they're not getting any heat at all and you can move them outdoors. But you probably already knew thst!

 

[Davethebirdman]

I am so tired. I feel like I check on these chickies none stop. These are our first little babies. Here is my setup. I'm concerned because even though the temperature is always between 85 and 95 (sometimes day and night adjust it) they seem to be away from the light. I know they say that's if it's too hot but I wasn't given specific ages. My two big brown ones are older but are they okay? Am I overthinking. They are happy and all eating and drinking. Does this seem good? Should I adjust anything? I went from 2 kids to 10. They seem to enjoy laying next to each other but near the water. Idk.

Chicks will run back and forth to the bulb as they need warmth. When they get overheated, they just move away but you should always put the bulb in one end of the tub not over it so that they can go back and forth from it as they need it. So they can get away from it if they get overheated. Remember, these are just babies exploring their environment. Some chicks or types of birds need more heat or less, etc. The bulb should always be on 24/7. They should NEVER be outside or left alone for long. They need warmth until they have feathers to keep them warm.

 

[Davethebirdman]

It's in my home. But it's in my gym in the basement and it's pretty drafty and cool. So I should make it a little cooler? They won't leave my thermometer alone lol so I'm so paranoid they are messing it up. I just cleaned their bedding. Now they seem to be back over on the other side. Could that have been an issue? Should I check the temp of the room and then adjust their heat? Good lord this is stressful. I'm so scared they won't be happy.

There’s no such thing as adjusting the heat. The internal temperature of a mother hen is a constant 104 degrees approx?
The bulb should be at one end of your set uo on 24/7. They same temperature always, and low enough for them to run to it and away from it when they get overheated. They go back and forth. There should be an open space they can go to to get away from the heat of the bulb.