It's hatch day! I think they may be cold.

[John Sanders]

The new chicks are climbing all over each other. I know that usually means they are cold so I've been increasing the temp. 100 f and they are still doing it. Is this a problem or do I just keep turning up the heat?

 

[Nabiki]

Do you have a thermometer in the warm spot of your brooder? If it's 100, they shouldn't be cold, but it certainly sounds like they are.

Are any of them asleep, or are all of them climbing over each other?

 

[John Sanders]

All of them. They are next to the thermometer. Its accurate too.

 

[mdees88]

Crank up the heat. Make sure your brooder is large enough to have a cool zone so they can escape the heat if it is too hot. I use 4ft long totes and I have had my hot end 110F before. It doesn't hurt anything because they will position themselves where they are most comfortable (on the edge of the heat). Too hot is much better than too cold as long as you have enough room for them to escape the heat....

 

[John Sanders]

I just checked the thermometer. I don't know when or how it got out but sometime during incubation it did. I cant believe it! I started out with 3 thermometers. I just checked it against 1 I just calibrated. Makes me want to cuss!!!

 

[John Sanders]

I maxed out the thermostat and added a heat lamp and they are looking normal. I'll keep a close close close eye on them the rest of the day.

 

[John Sanders]

They are all getting dry and sleeping. They had a rough morning! So did i!!! I've turned off the heat lamp and its holding steady where they are comfortable.

Thank you guys for the help!!

 

[John Sanders]

15 jumbos in the brooder mcgruder!! I'm happy with 50% hatch rate considering the issues. I will immediately start building a good incubator!!