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
Starting out the temps should be around 90 or 95 degrees. Decrease by 5 degrees each week there after. Good Luck!!!
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.
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
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.
Quote:If your aquarium light is a fluorescent tube it is complete useless for heating, since they emit light, but very little heat.
Also they might run out of room in there pretty quick. A nice large plastic tote makes a nice brooder box too. Good luck!
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.
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.
