Our first time with chicks have question!

[kritterkeep]

We are getting 6 baby chicks today . (Born between yesterday and today)


For right now we plan to keep them in a 10 gal fish tank with wire over top of it- So would the light from the fish tank keep them warm enough or should we use a heat lamp and how far away from them should it be?

thank you for any help

Donna B

 

[Up-the-Creek]

Starting out the temps should be around 90 or 95 degrees. Decrease by 5 degrees each week there after. Good Luck!!!

 

[Oceanseve]

you will probably need a heat lamp. Definately do some reading before you bring them home. There are lots of guides online and you might check your local library.

 

[patyrdz]

Hi and welcome from North Carolina!!

 

[melissastraka]

I would get a thermometer to see how warm the light from the fish tank gets. If it doesnt reach atleast 90 i would get a heat lamp. I like to use the red ones. Just my own experiance

 

[cmom]

I use a plain white 60 watt bulb in my brooder lamp. Also I have a wireless digital thermometer with an alarm to monitor the temp. If the temp gets below what ever I set the alarm for it will go off.

 

[pascopol]

Quote:
If your aquarium light is a fluorescent tube it is complete useless for heating, since they emit light, but very little heat.

 

[amarook]

Also they might run out of room in there pretty quick.
A nice large plastic tote makes a nice brooder box too.

Good luck!

 

[Big dreams]

Will a ten gal. aquarium with a top on it (I assume if you are using the light) have enough ventilation for the chicks? Just wondering.

 

[can you hear me now?]

You know i have raised many chick in an aquarium, the tem gallon ones work great while they are little, which doesn't last long. In my experience i have used just a 60 watt light bulb with a dropcord. So far using that method I haven't had a single problem with heat or ventilation. The major thing is to keep it clean and to make sure they have some type of litter that will help them keep a firm hold on the ground to prevent spraddle feet. Welcome to BYC and good luck with your chickens i enjoy my chickens immensly.