How high should the heat lamp be on the babies

[Mistychicken25]

Can I get some help with this question just bought some babies n and wandering how high the heat lamp should be

 

[PeaShack]

Hi Mistychicken, the temp at the level of the chicks should be 95 deg F and no more than 100 deg. I use a soil thermometer that I have verified accuracy for brooder areas (it’s washable as digital ones used in the incubator are not…and they will peck and poop on everything).

The height will need to be adjusted to keep to the desired temp. They need an area that they can cool off as well. I keep food and water away from under the heat source. I use heat plates since they are much lower wattage, less of a fire risk, and reduced risk of pasty-butt. (See pic). Hope this helps and good luck to you and your peeps!

 

[DLA]

Several unbreakable thermometers placed around the brooder so that you can get it to about the proper temperature for their age, plus how they're acting. If they're scattering to the sides away from the light it's to close, if they're huddling under its not close enough. It should be 90 to 95 F for the first week and decrease 5 deg every week there after till they have feathers.

 

[DLA]

Also, I've found it helpful to put something under the waterer to catch spillage. They will throw bedding in it and poop in it and spill it. Which means the bedding gets wet and it's just a mess. Those type of waterers (I have the same) can sometimes leak. I used a tray from under a flower pot that is just a very tiny bit wider and not more than a tiny bit taller than the lip of the waterer. Then I elevate it slightly after the first week and each week there after to accommodate their height by putting a block or something under it. It helps a little to keep it cleaner and dryer.

 

[muddy75]

 

[Mistychicken25]

Several unbreakable thermometers placed around the brooder so that you can get it to about the proper temperature for their age, plus how they're acting. If they're scattering to the sides away from the light it's to close, if they're huddling under its not close enough. It should be 90 to 95 F for the first week and decrease 5 deg every week there after till they have feathers.

They have feathers they look about 4 wks maybe lil smaller than an avg female hand

 

[rosemarythyme]

If that photo is current they're nowhere near 4 weeks old. 4 days, maybe.

As noted above they need both a warmer area and cooler area within the brooder. If they're huddled in the hottest spot, it's too cold. If they're staying away from the heat, too hot. Adjust as needed to ensure they're using the whole space.

 

[triciayoung]

Welcome. My vote would be that you not use the heat lamp. They are very dangerous. If you go with radiant/panel heaters, they are not only safe, but targeted, therefore, they can go to heat but get out of it to get cooler. Here is an example: https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Func...-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC.

 

[BoundlessLove]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!
You have been given good advice.
I use a block of wood and big camping plate under the waterer. That way the chicks can get to the water but it won’t splash out onto the shavings.