infrared temperatue guns

[leonphelps]

hello,

with these becoming more and more affordable, they surely have revolutionized temperature monitoring.

I was wondering if anyone else keeps track of the chick body temperatures?

I have been keeping mine at about 90. During the day, they cool off to 85. At night back to 90. My chicks are a few days old.

Anyone think the 85 would hurt them? They seem to walk around fine at 85 and do not huddle.

The bed is heated by a heating pad.

 

[gritsar]

I gave up thermometers a long time ago. Let the chicks tell you if they are comfortable.

Chicks that are too cold are usually huddled tightly together and peeping loudly.

Chicks that are too hot are as far away from the heat source as possible, sometimes panting and holding their itty bitty wings out in an attempt to cool themselves.

Chicks that are comfortable are milling about, sometimes under the heat source, sometimes not. They are peeping softly to communicate with each other, but there's none of that high pitched distress peeping going on. They will still sleep together for the sense of security it provides, but they won't pile up.

I've yet to have a chick that was comfortable at the recommended 90 to 95 degrees. Most seem to prefer 80 to 85 degrees, even as day olds.

 

[Anianna]

I agree that watching chick behavior is ultimately the way to go.

I do think tracking temperatures is important for new chick owners who aren't as familiar with what to look for. For example, chicks like to sleep together even when they aren't cold and that can easily be confused with huddling behavior, encouraging an inexperienced owner to overheat chicks who aren't cold at all.

Leon, it sounds like your chicks are just fine at 85. Keep an eye on their behavior like Gristar mentioned and they'll let you know.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
I have noticed the same.

I too gave up on thermometers. I just watch the chicks.

 

[GiddyMoon]

Without human involvement the mother hen has no way of controlling the temps at all times and has to take them out to forage and eat. We humans give ourselves way too much credit. Supply some heat, and let them decide how much is enough. Chicks go out in the weather when it is far below 85..for thousands of years..

 

[leonphelps]

I agree with the above statement. Far from an expert, but guineas are probably the exception since they come from very warm climates.

 

[tclegg]

Yeah this is my first go around too. I brought my girls home Fri and was concerned about temp being at 95 degrees but I have been watching and they have been totally happy at 85 degrees. So I decided not to fret over it--figured they will let me know. They are doing well, sound happy, eating and chirping like good little chicks do. So I am just relaxing and enjoying...Just let them tell you what they need...listen to them...you will know...just like with human babies...Keep up the good work...

 

[leonphelps]

my problem is the new heating pads shut off after two hours. no sleep for me til daytime.