Power Outage - No Heat Lamp

[Sarah47201]

The transformer near my house blew and the power company is saying at least 2 hours to restore power. I keep my house set at a toasty 60 degrees. Without a heat lamp how long do we reasonably have before we have to relocate? The chicks are 19 days old.
Thanks!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That's nearly 3 weeks. They should be able to handle 75 or 80 F for quite a while. How many are there. If there are more than 4 or 5 you shouldn't need to worry as they'll keep each other warm. You can partly cover the brooder or temporarily put them in a smaller box.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I agree they will probably be OK for a while and they will huddle together which will help if there's enough of them.

If you have a BBQ you can always heat up some water and make a hot water bottle and cover with a towel for them, if you get too concerned.

My house is also a toasty 60 degrees! We live on the coast and are acclimated. We lose power often though and I forgot the other day that I had egg in the incubator. By the time I remembered it was down to 78 degrees. Looks so far like most will make it still.

Please note here on the coast we never get above 65 and most my chicks are out to pasture easily by 3 weeks, some as early as 1 week in 50 degree weather, with a huddle box and a group of 8-10. Of course 50 is a lot warmer with the sun shining than just sitting around in the shade. But chicks can be fairly hardy.

 

[micstrachan]

I think they will be fine! How many are there?
Every year I buy a case of disposable glove warmers for power failures since we live in “the mountains,” as they’re called here even though we’re under 1000 feet. Might be good for you to keep a few on hand if your area is prone to power failures, too?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I think they will be fine! How many are there?
Every year I buy a case of disposable glove warmers for power failures since we live in “the mountains,” as they’re called here even though we’re under 1000 feet. Might be good for you to keep a few on hand if your area is prone to power failures, too?

That's a great idea.

We've used them for traveling with chicks. They can get quite hot.

I SHOULD go get some.