Outdoor brooder Question

[Crazy_Beautiful]

I moved my 5 week old chicks out today. They are in a brooder in an insulated coop. I have a 150w reptile bulb for them. Will they be ok? Its -5°c tonight but with the coop full of birds that'll help keep them warm.







Picture of their feathers... and of the outside brooder.















I'd like to just worry a little less tonight

 

[Crazy_Beautiful]

Sorry for the crazy spacing the app doesn't work so well for me

 

[Crazy_Beautiful]

I probably have some foam insulation I can add to the side with the heat lamp, is that a good idea?

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Sometimes, I get that spacing issue as well and I dont use the app.

I think at 5 weeks, the suggested temp is 70°. So as long as some area in their brooder is at that temp, they should be fine. As well, the area should be free of drafts. If possible, maybe close off the front of one side so that it's more enclosed to keep the heat in. I just moved mine from a heated building to a shed so that they could have more room. They are doing well. Our temps aren't that cold right now though.

 

[Crazy_Beautiful]

I added a piece of foam insulation to half the brooder. Went to lock everyone in and the chicks were cheeping away happily.
The temp isn't 70 but the temperature guage is near their feet so the heat on their backs for sure is.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I think your brooder is a great design.

We have similar temps here.
I agree with closing in the end with the heat to trap that heat.

I have chicks in my unheated shop ranging from 5 days old to 2 weeks. Everyone went straight to that brooder when they came home. I do have one end of the brooder closed up to trap heat.

I did lose one chick this year but that one was weak from the beginning. It never ate very well either.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I brood outside and I have chicks do just fine in those temperatures that are just a few days old with heat. By 5 weeks mine are off of heat and running around with the rest.

 

[Crazy_Beautiful]

Thanks! I'll feel better tomorrow morning but as of now I've done all I can.