Is this normal?

[Tre3hugger]

Got my first baby birds today ever so bear with me. My keets are all just hanging under the brooder plate in a big pile. They are 2 days old. Every once in a while 1-3 will come out to drink and eat. They are chirping, but not loudly or panicky. I have a CHE set on a thermostat to keep the ambient 80*F in the brooder and then a brooder plate also. Are they cold, or are they just sleepy cuddly babies with each other? Appreciate any advice or reassurance.

 

[sourland]

Constant chirping is generally an indication that they are not warm enough.

 

[Tre3hugger]

Constant chirping is generally an indication that they are not warm enough.

So what is the point of a brooder plate if I need to keep the ambient higher than 80*? If i raise it much higher, and they stay under the brooder plate, wont I bake them? Thank you so much for the quick reply. Really want to do right by these little ones.

 

[sourland]

Have you checked the temperature under the brooder plate ? I did not pay enough attention to your first post and neglected to note that you were talking about the ambient temp. They may also just still be chilled/stressed from the shipping.

 

[Angileen]

Have you checked the temperature under the brooder plate ? I did not pay enough attention to your first post and neglected to note that you were talking about the ambient temp. They may also just still be chilled/stressed from the shipping.

The brooder plate should be low enough that when they lay under it is just barely above their back, almost but not quite touching. As they grow you can slowly raise it.

 

[Angileen]

I do not have a thermostat on my brooder plate

 

[Tre3hugger]

As stated in my post, I don't have a thermostat on my brooder plate either. It is on a ceramic heat emitter in order to maintain a steady ambient temp in my drafty house. I have adjusted the height of the brooder plate about a dozen times, it's so hard to get just right! I think they are good. Just had 8 out from under the plate at once, running around and eating. Chirping is at a minimum. I'm probably just overthinking it.

Have you checked the temperature under the brooder plate

Ground temp under brooder plate is 91*. Probably a bit higher right up against the plate.

 

[sourland]

At those temperatures, there is no problem. The chirping was probably a result of being chilled/stressed in shipment.

 

[Tre3hugger]

At those temperatures, there is no problem. The chirping was probably a result of being chilled/stressed in shipment.

Thank you. May actually get some sleep tonight!