My chicks are sweating

[aidenspoppy]

We had a real weather and temp change today before I could get home. When I did check on my 3 week old chicks the were soaking wet and the humidity in the box was incredible. I opened the top more to let it cool out, replaced the bulb with s lower watt, and gave fresh water and food. I did have one dead when i got home. Any suggestions?

 

[kacklinkelly]

Do you have any ventilation in the box when the top is closed?

 

[aidenspoppy]

It was down to almost freezing when i left in the morn and they were fine, but by the end of day it was almost 80. There was some ventilation but obviously mot enough. Since i fixed the problem will the chicks bounce back?

 

[kacklinkelly]

That is some crazy temp swing. We get about 30 degree differences here in AZ.
I have some meaties in my brooder currently in the garage. I had 4 pet chicks I
raised 3 successfully so far. (6 months so clearly not a lot of experience) I have learned that
when they are only a couple of weeks old, they are very fragile and temp constants
and blocking out drafts is real important. However, I have such a simple brooder
set up and use only lamps to provide heat and the chickens I have are doing just
fine. I cut a 8 in by 8 in hole in the top of the plastic tub I use for the brooder box. I applied
some of the smaller hardware cloth to the top for ventilation, security and heat source. The
temp stays pretty constant at 80 with one 60 watt lamp pointed inside. It has fluctuated to as low
as 70 and then I added another 60 watt lamp for a short time. I just watch them and see how
they are behaving. If they are huddled together, I adjust the heat up. If they are far
from each other or the light source, I turn one lamp off. Make sure they have plenty of
water. You may want to add some sugar to the water to perk them up or maybe get
some of the chick vitamins they sell at the feed store. Hoping your little critters
bounce back. I am learning as I go and so are you. This is also a lesson for me
in allowing nature to take it's course. I do as much research as possible, provide
the cleanest environment and reach out often to the many educated people here.
I hope you get someone with more experience than me to answer your post.
Wishing you all the best.