My first brooders .... thoughts?

[RonC]

Sounds like the temp was too high on the bedding directly under the lamp. The lamp warms the surface or what's under it (chicks) so I wouldn't trust having it hanging from the light itself. If you touch the bedding under the light after it's been onfor a bit it should feel barely warm like your body temp (98). As long as the little ones can escape the heat they will chose where they want to be.

 

[brahmabreeder]

You don't need a thermometer. Just look at the chicks and see how they act with the heat.

 

[TonySorrento]

You don't need a thermometer. Just look at the chicks and see how they act with the heat.

you do realize you are speaking to a newbie ...... right?

 

[biggie]

i've got a question. i've got a 65 watt light on our day old flock here. i put my thermometer down beside them under the light and im reading about 101degree F is this to hot? they seem to be comfy and sleeping under it. then they jump up and play a little then go back to sleep. they seem happy and playful.

 

[brahmabreeder]

That is exactly hoe they should act. If the chicks stay far away from the lamp it is too hot. Right under it all the time it's too cold. If they are every where it is perfect.

 

[TonySorrento]

Brahma,

I get what you are saying now .... I have the thermometer in there still, but I go by the chicks .. because it is a large brooder, sometimes they are in the 95 degree areas, sometimes in the 85 ... they go where they are comfortable ... so the important part is having the brooder set up so they WILL find different zones of heat as they need ... just like us ... sometimes I am cold at 68 and sometimes I am comfortable ....

They are doing SO well ... no pasty butt ... eating and drinking awesome ... and quiet, which I am guessing = content

 

[brahmabreeder]

Glad I could help

 

[TonySorrento]

They are growing fast!!!! Aren't they cute