How Hot is too Hot

[BarkersFarm]

I am not sure if my chicks are too hot. They are all huddled together under the heat lamp, but are all lying down like they are tired. If I stir them up a bit changing the water, bedding or food - they all run around ok, but then settle back in that spot together and lay down? Does this mean they are too hot (the chicks are 1 week old, the temp under the lamp is 85/90F). Any advice would be helpful.

Ken

 

[RonC]

If they are huddled under the heat lamp they are not too hot. They should have an area they can escape the heat also. If they are as far from the light as they can get, wings spread and panting they are too hot. 85-90 degrees is about right for 2-3 week old chicks.

 

[BarkersFarm]

Thanks. They seem to be ok, I was just concerned as one of my neighbours had mentioned that they may be too hot if they are all laying down like that. This is my first batch, so I needed some re-assurance. Thx. Ken