Keets arrived from Guinea Farm of Iowa. Pics included.

[Sydney65]

Also the plate might not be warm enough by itself for cold outdoor

No, it specifically says for those little brooder plates not for outside use.

 

[Sydney65]

I raised the higher end of the plate and I'm seeing more keets casually walk under it rather than avoid it. I also raised the temp on the plate a little.

I admit the thermometer read <80 degrees this morning! I knew I was letting it get cooler to encourage them to use the plate. Behaviorally, the keets seemed good with three or four snoozing under the plate as the rest started to bop around.

I turned up the lamp dimmer and it is reading around 87 now. I do not think I will aim for 90 anymore. They seem to do fine even at 80.

The heat plate: I lay my hand on the straw under the plate and I feel nothing. Absolutely nothing. It is hard to imagine their wee little bodies feel anything when they lay so flat so they are quite a ways from the surface. But they choose to do so, so they must be getting some benefit. I disappointed in the lack of use given the financial investment and fire risk from the lamp.

They clearly prefer the lamp. I am afraid I would have to go cold turkey, remove the lamp, and hope no one dies during the learning curve. I am not sure I can stomach that. I am feeling very bonded to every single one.

I spent a little under an hour last night cleaning feet. Coconut oil was a game changer. No pasty butts! Two hopped to the top of their transport box, so it is time to upgrade. They are growing fast and starting to hop-fly.

Understand the bonding. I've kept one inside all winter for the heat issue. Now she still sleeps inside waiting for new coop (won't coop her w/jumbos). I think my first batch I kept in for abt 8 wks. Last yr the ones I incubated were ready to go out at 3 weeks bc it was plenty warm out. Consider as well that you've got a hefty investment there, so better to err on the side of safety.

 

[Sydney65]

Understand the bonding. I've kept one inside all winter for the heat issue. Now she still sleeps inside waiting for new coop (won't coop her w/jumbos). I think my first batch I kept in for abt 8 wks. Last yr the ones I incubated were ready to go out at 3 weeks bc it was plenty warm out. Consider as well that you've got a hefty investment there, so better to err on the side of safety.

Fortunately Va hasnt been affected much by bird flu, but you'll also see threads from many of us monitoring that situation.

 

[Bicoastal]

No, it specifically says for those little brooder plates not for outside use.

I cannot find any info on Premier’s website, instruction manual, or quick start guide about use. Nothing about air temperatures, outdoor use, etc.

Right now a good-sized group is under the plate and. A bigger-sized group is under the lamp.

 

[Sydney65]

I cannot find any info on Premier’s website, instruction manual, or quick start guide about use. Nothing about air temperatures, outdoor use, etc.

Right now a good-sized group is under the plate and. A bigger-sized group is under the lamp.

That's why I keep going back to Brinsea website. I wasn't particularly thrilled with mine but most say it's the "gold standard."
I had issues with keets being kicked out from under it. I think every method has it's +/-. Even w/the heating pad there was an issue w/keets dying bc they found a way between the cover & the pad until I used those safety pins to totally seal that up.
@My2butterflies , your troubles last yr kicked in the 2nd week, right? So @Bicoastal, I wldnt dare suggest you drop your guard, but I think you've reached a major milestone in their sustainability. The temp should be in the 80° range, everyone is still alive & thriving. In theory, you've reached the 1/2 point between fragility and semi- indestructible.

 

[Bicoastal]

Keets are two weeks old today.

With the heat lamp dimmed to about 50%, they seem to sleep more soundly and wake when the sunlight trickles in.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Keets are two weeks old today.

With the heat lamp dimmed to about 50%, they seem to sleep more soundly and wake when the sunlight trickles in.

That’s my favorite thing about the brooder plate - the natural light - dark cycle instead of 24 hr activity under a red light. I also think that they get cold hardy faster because they spend some time away from artificial heat.

 

[Bicoastal]

I also think that they get cold hardy faster because they spend some time away from artificial heat.

They are going to be spending some time away from the heat lamp this evening. I have to go out for a few hours and I am turning the lamp off. Fingers and toes crossed everyone uses the heat plate as needed. A handful have definitely figured it out.

One of the paler ones is committed: s/he will be all alone under there, stretched out asleep for an hour all by him/herself. “Screw everyone else, I’m living my best life!“ One or three may join, maybe not, but that bird is hooked.

 

[Bicoastal]

Well, the keets disappointed and concerned me last night. The heat lamp was off for four hours. When I left, the temp was reading around 85 and the heat plate was set on 5/7. When I returned, the temp was reading 60! The house thermostat was reading 67, so I had to be reading the temp wrong.

Two keets were huddled in the favorite corner that is near the (then off) heat lamp. Everyone else was piled high in the opposite corner squeezed away from the plate. I have never seen them in that area. A few on the bottom of the pile were strewn along the edge of the plate seemingly as a coincidence not by intention. Not a single one was under the plate . I switched on the lamp and the temp climbed to 87 within ten minutes.

No one seems the worse for wear today. In fact, they are quite rambunctious with frequent thuds and ruckus coming from the spare room . But I don't feel very confident in their ability to switch to the plate.

 

[Bicoastal]

Oh my gosh. I just checked on them and the majority are under the plate, not the lamp.

Good! They know what it’s for and they’ll use it. I guess I can worry a little less and try to stop guessing the ways and whys of nature.

I have a window cracked and it’s cold in the room. Outdoor temp is 57. I figured some air circulation is good and may help transition to outdoors. Their pen is well blocked from draft. That ok?