New Chicken (pullets) Momma

[PVILLAGO]

I assume this is just for the first week or two? Did you make a cover? The walls aren't that tall so by the end of the first week you're probably going to see chicks start hopping out.

How many chicks are you expecting? Since you have both a brooding plate and an upright heat plate, I'd remove the upright heat plate - it'll get in the way of a cover, and chicks should have both warm and cool areas. Assuming the brooding plate is enough for number of birds, they won't need the upright heat.

The walls are 18"H. I read Only for 2wks. I have a cover if they get too crazy. The temp should be 90-95° but it definitely isn't that warm. I'm going to break down and buy a heat lamp tomorrow and hang from ceiling. I just worry about fire. Fingers crossed

 

[rosemarythyme]

The walls are 18"H. I read Only for 2wks. I have a cover if they get too crazy. The temp should be 90-95° but it definitely isn't that warm. I'm going to break down and buy a heat lamp tomorrow and hang from ceiling. I just worry about fire. Fingers crossed

They can easily jump 24"+ high by 2 weeks, so good to know you have a cover ready to go.

Also just to make sure it's clear, you do NOT want ambient temperature at 90-95. The only thing that needs to be that warm is the brooding plate, which you can confirm with physical touch - if it feels plenty warm to somewhat hot (but not burning hot) then it's just fine for the chicks.

I raise chicks outside with ambient lows around mid 40s (some folks here do even cooler temperatures). I put them under the heating pad (blue item on left side) so they learn immediately that that is where to go to warm up, but the rest of the time they're fine running about in the cooler space.

 

[PVILLAGO]

They can easily jump 24"+ high by 2 weeks, so good to know you have a cover ready to go.

Also just to make sure it's clear, you do NOT want ambient temperature at 90-95. The only thing that needs to be that warm is the brooding plate, which you can confirm with physical touch - if it feels plenty warm to somewhat hot (but not burning hot) then it's just fine for the chicks.

I raise chicks outside with ambient lows around mid 40s (some folks here do even cooler temperatures). I put them under the heating pad (blue item on left side) so they learn immediately that that is where to go to warm up, but the rest of the time they're fine running about in the cooler space.

View attachment 2934271

Thank you.

 

[PVILLAGO]

Should I worry about the chicken with exposed wings. She has no fuzz on the tips of her wings. I have a teeny runt who seemed kind of lethargic but did see him eat and drink. I'm not sure how high or low to hang the heat lamp. I broke down and bought one since it wasn't warm enough in their box. Under the brooder.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'm not sure how high or low to hang the heat lamp. I broke down and bought one since it wasn't warm enough in their box. Under the brooder.

Is there a thermometer in there, at chick level? Remember there must be both warm and cool areas (like 90-95F for warm, this includes the surface area of the brooding plate, and at least 10+ degrees cooler in the cool areas).

Assuming the brooding plate is working (you said it wasn't warm enough, did you touch it once warmed up and running?) you may be over compensating on heat. Chicks in hotter temperatures are more prone to pasty butt and can take longer to feather in.

 

[3KillerBs]

Cute stuff!

IIRC (I haven't used one myself), brooder plates work by contact rather than warming the air. The chicks have to be able to touch them with their backs -- so people usually set them on a slant for different size chicks.

 

[aart]

IIRC (I haven't used one myself), brooder plates work by contact rather than warming the air. The chicks have to be able to touch them with their backs -- so people usually set them on a slant for different size chicks.

Yes.

 

[aart]

Should I worry about the chicken with exposed wings. She has no fuzz on the tips of her wings.

That's what new feathers growing out look like.

 

[Iluveggers]

If you put a thermometer under the brooder plate (close but not right against it), what temperature was it reading?

 

[LaFleche]

Congratulations!

It is important to check their fluffy butts several times a day and clean any poop that might get stuck, as it can impede proper defecation leading to death, if not cleaned off thoroughly.