Is it too cold?

[desertchicken92]

I have 3 one week old chicks brooding in a plastic tote in the bathtub. It's been 70ish during the day and around 28 at night. I have a 250 watt red bulb. Is it okay to put them in an unheated insulated shed with that tote and lamp, or should I wait? Thanks. I live in central Oregon and the Temps have been nice during the day but cold at night... I dunno, I would like my bathroom back though...

 

[desertchicken92]

Btw, their current brooding temp is 85 degrees.

 

[Dcawdrey]

In my opinion - it would be fine just make sure they have access to the heat lamp to get warm. Babies, from my experience, come and go away from the heat as needed. Hope you get more advice so you can get you bathroom back

 

[TheEggCollecter]

I would say its ok too. Just make sure each week you are decreasing the temperature a little bit. Slowly adjust them to the cold though. Doing it too fast might shock them.

 

[aart]

That's big change....I'd move them during the warmest part of the day and keep a close eye on them the first 24 hours tho.

They'll be warm under the light probably but going out of it to eat and drink might be a shocker. Make sure there are absolutely no drafts on them at all...and hopefully the shed is totally predator proof, especially if you have rats around.

 

[ChickenLegs13]

250 watts should keep the whole shed toasty. It's ok to put them where ever you want to as long as you keep the light adjusted for their comfort. i.e if you have the light adjusted for 28* weather then leave for the day and come home when it's 70* you might have cooked chicken.

 

[desertchicken92]

Thanks everybody for the imput. I went ahead and not only moved them to the shed, but put them in a big metal tub with a 250 watt heat lamp in the middle (and checked temps). Not only were they fine this morning, they were thriving! Oh, and it's predator proof, and totally insulated, walled, floor, etc. Glad I moved them

 

[desertchicken92]

Here's a pic from yesterday.

Two gold sex links and one buff orp.

 

[desertchicken92]

Not my first time having chickens, (I already have four) but it's my first time brooding chicks and I've been reading every forum possible. So, thanks everyone!

 

[Dcawdrey]

From you pictures - it looks perfect to me. ( I am no expert) Please keep us posted..... Babies are just so cool!