Hot??

[ILoveChickensAWholeLot]

I currently live in a place where it is 93, feels like 103... I'm keeping my week old chicks in my garage where even when the car has been sitting it's warm to the touch... The garage isn't super ventilated but I raised my other babies just fine two years ago, but we eventually moved their brooder into the house although that's not a possibility anymore. They haven't been under the brooder, I'm worried about them being hot. Should I turn the brooder off, is there a time to turn it back on? Am I allowed to give them ice water, everything I've seen says room temp?

 

[LizGio]

You need ventilation especially with the heat. I have my chicks outside with no heat during the day. It's been in the 90s. They are 3 weeks-ish

 

[ILoveChickensAWholeLot]

You need ventilation especially with the heat. I have my chicks outside with no heat during the day. It's been in the 90s. They are 3 weeks-ish

There is only one window in the garage... Anything I can do? Is it alright/ a good idea to turn the brooder off?

 

[rosemarythyme]

The plate can be left on but they're not going to use it when it's this hot, so you can turn it off for now.

Some ventilation would be great just so they can get some relief from the heat.

I wouldn't do ice water, it's too much of a shock vs the ambient temperature. Slightly cooled water might be ok. Electrolytes would be something to consider adding, if they're starting to show signs of heat stress (wings held out, panting).

 

[ILoveChickensAWholeLot]

The plate can be left on but they're not going to use it when it's this hot, so you can turn it off for now.

Some ventilation would be great just so they can get some relief from the heat.

I wouldn't do ice water, it's too much of a shock vs the ambient temperature. Slightly cooled water might be ok. Electrolytes would be something to consider adding, if they're starting to show signs of heat stress (wings held out, panting).

is there a time I should turn the heat back on? Or do they just no longer need it.... they're only 8 days old.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Go by the temperatures. They'll still need it if temps dip at night, which it probably will. If unsure (or not at home for a period of time, leave it on so they have the option of using it). When you're at home and can kinda keep an eye on their behavior, you can turn it off.