New chicks and hot weather...

[chickencoop57]

So, when I received my first chicks, about a year or so ago, it was early Fall, so not so hot, but I have 10 coming in next week and our heat index now a days, in the south central Texas, is around 100 degree's if not warmer. Am I still going to need to put a heat lamp on them?

 

[LoveCochins]

I'm in East Texas and it is hotter than Hades! It is still hot at night here. I have to keep the fan on in the coop at night. I have a six week old and a five week old in the coop. I also have a five week old in a brooder with her mama. They definitely do not need a heat. I worry that they might have too much heat. I think chickens are tougher than we think. However, I try hard to keep them as cool as possible I the summer.

 

[Flame80]

Just received my day old domoniques here in east Texas and yes it is 95* out today. Brooder was 90* in my shop with no heat lamp at all. I have a thermometer in the brooder and one in my coop with my 8 week olds. It was 95 in the coop today but I now keep the birds locked outside in the covered run. Dang...August is our hottest month!! Guess I will just go out to my shop and check on peeps several times in the night. I can't see running the heat lamp on them. But D in law just picked up 4 of the 7 so I only have 3 that can cuddle together now!

 

[FeatherLace]

I live in South GA and I had to keep a fan on my babies 24/7. Their first week the weather was close to 98 degrees F so I had nothing on them, and by 8 days old they were panting if the fan wasn't on. If i dared turn on the heat lamp they'd all huddle away from it, and they got their bodies used to around 80° and would pant and hold their wings out if it was any hotter and not in front of the fan.

So yeah don't be afraid to put a fan on the babies, especially if its pushing 100°. Its easier for them to get warm than for them to cool off if they're all together

 

[M Brennen]

I’ve been worrying about the flux in temperature. I am in Vermont. These last few days it’s been over 90 degrees, but the nights drop down to 60 degrees. My 2 day olds seem to be quite comfortable, but my 4 week olds seem a bit warm. They haven’t used the heat plate in over a week.

 

[Evanloveschickens]

So, when I received my first chicks, about a year or so ago, it was early Fall, so not so hot, but I have 10 coming in next week and our heat index now a days, in the south central Texas, is around 100 degree's if not warmer. Am I still going to need to put a heat lamp on them?

Not at all. Chicks don’t need heat. Unless it’s super cold out. You can put a bottle with hot water and if they’re cold they will lay on it.

 

[chickencoop57]

Thanks all! That was pretty much what I was thinking but wanted to be on the safe side. I think a small fan would be in order. I wouldnt want them to die of heat stoke. Thanks again!