Is my temp cheat sheet correct?

[JulieZ]

I'm creating a cheat sheet of temperatures to keep by my chics for the entire household should I be away. Can someone grade me on this? I need reassurance that I've done this right with temps. Also, when can I take off the lamps? I understand if it gets cold in the house to use them but all in all ... just need a rough guess for the future.

Feb 1 - 7 (Days 1-7) - 95 degrees
Feb 8-14 (Days 8-14) - 90 degrees
Feb 15-21 (Days 15-21) - 85 degrees
Feb 22 - 28 (Days 22-28) - 80 degrees
Mar 1-7 (Days 29-35) - 75 degrees
Mar 8-14 (Days 36-42) - 70 degrees

Thanks,
Julie

 

[Bullwinkle]

Hi JulieZ:

Thats correct - starts at 95 degrees then decrease by 5 degress each week.

When you stop using the lights is determined partly (this time of year) by where you live, and how 'feathered' out your chicks are.

Here in Nebraska I'd use lights longer than someone say in Texas. Some varieties are fully feathered faster than other varieties.

I just decreased my lights last year as time went by: I had a large area for them and just cut back: from 3 lights to 1. (and finally after they were about 2 1/2 months old took the last light out.). By the time they were 7 or 8 weeks old they probably didn't need the extra heat, but I felt more comfortable having it available to them.

 

[JulieZ]

Thank you. I know this was a common sense question but I was doubting myself.

Being in Florida, I'm sure my babies will not need the light as long as most in Nebraska but we keep our house cool during winter (about 65-69) and with the way this winter is going for everyone ... there's no telling.

I went out and bought a digital thermometer & found I like the old fashion mercury one's better. They read faster but who ever suggested I just place it in there ... eeewww ... never again with my chicky-POO-POO's. Soap & water but I'll just hold it from here on out. Starting to get a farmers tan line because of it.

ALL babies are doing great. The putty booty has occured on 2 chicks today since I have the temps more regulated so this is good but I feel so bad for one of them. I accidently pulled hair. Is there an easier way then a wet, warm washcloth?

Julie

 

[domino7]

I fill a small bowl with warm water and hold the chick's bum in it until it loosens up. Sometimes it takes longer than others.