How do I know my chicks are ok?

[happymom99]

Hello,

We just got our first chicks. I have chickens but I've never had chicks.

They were hatched Feb 8 so they are 2.5 weeks old. How do I know if they are the right temp? They were all huddled together under the light but they were just barely holding their wings out. Then they came apart and fell asleep and weren't holding their wings out but they were staying right under the light. My thermometer says 94 or 96 degrees but they won't leave from the light. I have no idea if I can trust my thermometer. I am worried I am going to cook or freeze these babies.

For their age shouldn't the temp be more like 85 degrees?

At what point should I worry if they are not eating or drinking?

Is there anything I can do to make them more comfortable?

Is there anything that chicks LOVE that we could treat them with?

Thank you so much,
CJ

ps- My son is just dying for these to be lap chickens so if you have any tips on how we can kiss up to these chicks and make them love my son like crazy, please let me know. Of course, first priority is keeping them alive...

 

[crankster76]

just make sure they have a area big enough to get away from the heat lamp if they want to and that they have plenty of food and water. they will ajust themselves as needed. as long as ya need to add food or water daily I would just let the boy play with them periodicaly.