Keeping new chicks in an unheated workshop

[diana_of_the_dunes]

I'm considering ordering some chicks, since I can't find any adult hens in my area. Plus, I'd like to handle them while they're young so they know me and are gentle. That said, due to pets and home renovations, I can't keep the chicks in the house safely. We do have a detached garage with a separate insulated workshop area, but it's not heated. Would the chicks be warm enough with a heat lamp?? Right now, nighttime temps are around 30F, and daytime is anywhere from 45-65F, but it'll be warming up quickly. If we got any exceptionally low temps, I could bring the chicks in for an overnighter. I probably wouldn't be able to actually pick up the chicks for another two weeks, so it'll be a little warmer then.

Will they be okay?? Or should I wait til it's a little warmer outside?

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I think that would work. Just set up the heat lamp with a thermometer and see what you get for temperatures. Set up the brooder you want to use or at least some type of draft guard, to do your test. Solid sides are going to retain more heat for you than open air, so I think it will give you a better idea of how you need to adjust your heat lamp. I've brooded out in the coop before, when if wasn't warm out, yet. I used a metal chain around a rafter to hang the heat lamp, with a c-link to adjust the height.

 

[midget_farms]

Right - solid sides & a heat lamp. Start out fairly small so the heat stays in & you will be in good shape. The birds will huddle under the light if they are too cold - you may want to add a second light too - I run three when they are very young, but by 3 or 4 weeks they will be feathered enough to manage the cold.

I had the breaker trip at 2.5 weeks & they all made it through a 32* night. They huddled together & did ok. I think I would have lost a few though if I had not cought it first thing in the morning.

 

[NattiFan]

I've got my girls in the basement. It is unheated as well and the temps down there druing the day is about 55. I've got two heat lamps in mine, and they seem to be doing well. I started with one, and then sought for advice on the forums here, and was told that maybe I should add a second one....bingo! Two lamps work very well. So as long as your worksop is draft free, and you have a somewhat enclosed brooder, toss two lights in there and you'll be fine.

 

[diana_of_the_dunes]

Great, thanks!!

 

[felidaet]

My brooder is in the garage. Last year I had a hard time keeping a large steel tub heated and a consistent temperature. This year I built a new brooder from wood. I tested it last weekend nad it worked much better than the steel tub. I am only going to have to use one 250 watt heat lamp instead of the two I used last year. I built a large brooder. It is 3' x 8'. For the first two weeks I will have a divider in in to only give them a 3' x 3' area. This will be plenty of space until they start to grow and will be much easier to keep warm.