- Jun 18, 2010
- 11
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So I just got my first baby chicks yesterday from the local feed store. There are 7 of them aprox 1 week old. I have been using an old snake cage (well cleaned and free of snakes for months) as their first home. It is about 4 feet long, 2 feet deep and 2.5 feet high with a glass front. (This being the safest place with the cat who hasn't left their side and 3 year old!) I bought a 250 watt red light like the ones at the feed store. The problem is this seems to be making it too hot for them (ranging in the mid 90s on the hot side and low 90s on the cool side) The babies are almost always on the cool side. I just unplugged it to try a 65 watt white light to see if that doesn't help bring the temp down some. My concern is, this is all "air" temp not like a basking area. Exactly how hot should this be? Whats safe, what isn't? I had read that the chicks will let you know. I don't see any signs of them being too hot, except that they are always on the cooler side. (I am considering to open one side of the cage and put up "chicken" wire to allow more air flow and cooler temps as time goes on.
Also, is it okay to start giving them any kid of treats? Worms, meals worms etc? How about other things? I have them on pine pellets which they are already rolling around in and "crumbling" a bit. Whats the scoop on grits? Should they already have some?
We are truly loving these little guys. I am already starting to see their individual personalities. How long can they be away from their heated environment (staying inside!) when we begin handling them more? So far we are just sitting next to the cage and allowing them to get used to us, tho a few of them are beginning to slowly venture out to us!
Heres a picture of our new little ones!
Thanks so much! I look forward to this adventure and can already tell there is a wealth of information here that I am taking in!
Also, is it okay to start giving them any kid of treats? Worms, meals worms etc? How about other things? I have them on pine pellets which they are already rolling around in and "crumbling" a bit. Whats the scoop on grits? Should they already have some?
We are truly loving these little guys. I am already starting to see their individual personalities. How long can they be away from their heated environment (staying inside!) when we begin handling them more? So far we are just sitting next to the cage and allowing them to get used to us, tho a few of them are beginning to slowly venture out to us!

Thanks so much! I look forward to this adventure and can already tell there is a wealth of information here that I am taking in!