OKAY... HERE WE GO...Need some advise..

[cozycrestmom]

Our little chicks are coming either tomorrow or Saturday morning.. depends on our brooder.. It is an old dog kennel... about 30" wide, 40" long and about 30" height,,, we put cardboard on the back side of the tray up about 6" then lined the rest of the walls with tin foil and the top with a blanket.. We placed a 100w and a 40w bulb attached at the top of the kennel.. Now,,, as ilt stands now, the temp gauge is about 2" from the shaving.. reads 95 degrees...
My DH made a little window so we can peek in and check the temp and configured the door/tin foil so we can easliy access the inside.. I just really worry about the light/brightness..
I know the temp is right,, But I worry about the brightness,, 24-7... I've read about cannibulisim, and how the light effects it/promotes it..
Should we change one of the bulbs to a heat lamp at night so they get some decreased light but retain heat or what.... uggggg.. I think I am just getting NERVOUS... I really don't wont to lose any of our little babies.
And because my hubby just got out of the hospital... he is a little behind building the coop/pig pen... How long on average do the chicks stay inside.. We live in Maine... and they are down cellar.... it snowed yesterday...LOL... but all and all.. it is on average 40 at night and about 55 day time... But thats outside... cellar isn't heated.. but its not that bad down there and we are able to keep a steady heat of 95 right now..
Any opinions/advise you can give me is VERY much appreciated.....

 

[Cindiloohoo]

You sound nervous. I'd just get them in there and you will likely have to make adjustments along the way. They are in brooder until fully feathered or 8 weeks. Good luck on the new babies. If you DO run into issues...we're here to help

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. You can always get just a red bulb for one of the lights just as long as the temp doesn't drop. Good luck.

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! Glad you joined us!

 

[Backyard Hencam]

First of all,

from California. You have lots of questions and you'll get them answered here. Perhaps you should break them down and post them one at a time on "Raising Baby Chicks". I'd like to answer one question for you here. With the white bulb and aluminum it might be a little bright for your "youngsters". Many of us use a red heat lamp that we can raise or lower as needed. It is a bit of an investment but since you may need it for a couple of months (depending on the temperature) it is well worth it. Don't worry, you'll be a good Mom to those chicks. Keep us posted!