Is brooder too cold even if chicks seem happy?

[LFord6754]

I have 6 chicks, 1 week old yesterday. The hottest part of the brooder is 85 degrees but they all seem happy and spend most of the time spread out in the other parts of the brooder, not directly under the heat lamp. I feel like a new mom again and second guessing my instincts but as long as they're not all huddled together under the light, they're not too cold, right? Should I continue to wean off the heat if they continue to not act cold or is there good reason to keep the temperatures by the book?

Thank you

 

[Folly's place]

They sound fine to me. The temp guidelines are just that; guidelines. Your chicks are telling you that they're fine. Mary

 

[LFord6754]

Thank you, Mary! I know it was a dumb question but I just wanted to be sure before I accidentally kill my first chicks. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer.

 

[Jensownzoo]

I don't use a thermometer for my brooder. I let the chicks tell me if it's too cold/hot.

 

[LFord6754]

Thank you Jen!