Keeping water warm for day old chicks…

[Panhandler80]

Took delivery of 21 chicks a little over three years ago and don’t remember how I handled this.

I have new ones coming tomorrow so last night I got heat source set up and tested everything out. Directly under heat source hits 100 degrees, and there’s plenty of space to spread out and cool off.

The other thing I did was put the water almost directly under the heat lamp. Much to my surprise After having been on all night, the water was still very cool. Maybe 3/4 of a gallon. Suggestions? Maybe use a lot less water?

 

[Percheron chick]

I use the chick waterer that screws on to a quart jar to start. Significantly smaller but plenty for 25 chicks for a few days. I just place it in the brooder and it will warm up to brooder temperature in a few hours. I would go with a smaller waterer just because you need to change it out and clean it out every 2-3 days as things start to grow and the water gets slimy. Also if it leaks, less water in the shavings.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Why would you want the water warm?

 

[Percheron chick]

Why would you want the water warm?

To help warm them up faster.
95* instead of straight out of the tap 60*.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

They are not as fragile as people think. The broody raising chicks last November here in Vermont did not warm the chicks water. The key is they have a place to warm up that is 95 degrees. For them that was under momma hen at 10 minute intervals when it was snowing.