Meaties in a tractor? What's too cold?

[jenjscott]

Quote:
Mike, how old are your chicks?

Oops, I read back and see they are 3 weeks. By the 5 degrees per week standard they should be under about 80 degree heat. But well tarped to conserve all that body heat makes a difference I'm sure. Just watch them close.

 

[mike67909]

The cornish x's don't follow that same rule. Since they grow much faster than stnd breeds. I had them in my shed before in a 4x4 brooder 1 heat lamp and I kept it 90% covered to keep the heat in (for the 1st week). I then gradually uncovered it until there was no cover just the heat lamp. The temp in the shed was around 55 degrees warmer by the heat lamp obviously. Now they are out side it is in the mid 50s during the day and like I said I still have the lamp on them. Oh and I always keep a close eye on my birds I have to I have a black lab and a german short hair pointer who love to peek at them

 

[scubaforlife]

If you are doing Cornish Xs, they produce a good deal of heat as a result of their increased growth rate. If they have a good amount of feathers you should be ok (as long as it isn't wet). You could give them a little cracked corn, that will heat them up a bit too.