Sick chicks- UPDATE

[New duck mommy 2021]

I use my heat plate and love it
By 2-3 weeks my ducks were no longer even going under they didn’t need heat anymore but were in the house and we run a bit warm in here
I did have to use a heat lamp with my little special needs duckling as the other ones had the heat plate
But I have an adjuster on my lamp I can turn it high to low
He only really used it the first few days and then it was warm soft blankets as he needed to be with me 24/7. He never ran cold
If you have a heat plate already switch it up you will find it’s way better

This is what I used
I got pet fence off amazon both kinds
The solid clear ones for when small and the fence like ones once larger
I was able to give them large areas and in fact I still use it as barriers between my girls and boys at night.

 

[ThePhoebeFive]

THANK YOU! Again just my opinion and I think you should collect many opinions, but I would never keep them in *95. It's not your fault to think that's normal because the dam world wide web has decided to tell everyone that's normal, but ask any old experienced chicken person, it ain't normal. Turn it down a bit and you'll have happier chicks.

I’m glad you got a reading but 95 is to high for 1week old chicks
Can you provide pics of the new set up please
We are all very concerned as loosing 4 is a big deal and we want you to keep your flock with no more losses

I had a similar problem with losing some chicks to (I assume) over heating. I was keeping it at 95 myself. I have raised quite a few batches on 95 for their first week and lost one (but she died for a different reason).
1) Why am I just hearing from a bunch of people that 95 is too hot, but when I started several years ago, I did not?
2) Why am I just having problems with it? (If it matters, it was two marans that I lost. I heard they are pretty hardy, so I don't think it is the breed.)

 

[SandyRiverChick]

I had a similar problem with losing some chicks to (I assume) over heating. I was keeping it at 95 myself. I have raised quite a few batches on 95 for their first week and lost one (but she died for a different reason).
1) Why am I just hearing from a bunch of people that 95 is too hot, but when I started several years ago, I did not?
2) Why am I just having problems with it? (If it matters, it was two marans that I lost. I heard they are pretty hardy, so I don't think it is the breed.)

I wish I had a good answer for you, and I am very sorry for your previous experience, but I don't know why you didn't have the opposing view to the google advice that is just plain wrong. I started consulting people on BYC in 2009 and got the info. that there is a better way to go than the red hot metal chicken oven. It just really appeals to my common sense that *85 is more conducive to a new chicken life than *100.

 

[ThePhoebeFive]

I wish I had a good answer for you, and I am very sorry for your previous experience, but I don't know why you didn't have the opposing view to the google advice that is just plain wrong. I started consulting people on BYC in 2009 and got the info. that there is a better way to go than the red hot metal chicken oven. It just really appeals to my common sense that *85 is more conducive to a new chicken life than *100.

Makes sense. It could be that I misunderstood. Thank you!

 

[ThePhoebeFive]

Would you consider using one of these, they are much safer in regards to a fire hazard. You can also adjust it to suit the chicks needs.
View attachment 3083708

I use my heat plate and love it
By 2-3 weeks my ducks were no longer even going under they didn’t need heat anymore but were in the house and we run a bit warm in here
If you have a heat plate already switch it up you will find it’s way better

I will say, I too prefer the heat plate. I only just started using it, but I already like it better. However, for those out there like me who like to do things cheap, there is an even better way to do it. I have a heating pad (one with no timer obviously) on a cooling rack. I put a small towel over it to make the sides come down and keep poop off the pad. I bought one with three settings, so that as they need less heat, I turn it down a setting. I start out on high (which is a little warm, but they can get away from it), and then in a week turn it down to medium, and in another week to low. Once it's on low, I keep it there until the don't need it. It is a lot cheaper than an actual heat plate, but is the same basic concept. (Not that using a heat plate is a bad thing, the heating-pad-cooling-rack setup is just cheaper.) Just an idea.

 

[New duck mommy 2021]

I will say, I too prefer the heat plate. I only just started using it, but I already like it better. However, for those out there like me who like to do things cheap, there is an even better way to do it. I have a heating pad (one with no timer obviously) on a cooling rack. I put a small towel over it to make the sides come down and keep poop off the pad. I bought one with three settings, so that as they need less heat, I turn it down a setting. I start out on high (which is a little warm, but they can get away from it), and then in a week turn it down to medium, and in another week to low. Once it's on low, I keep it there until the don't need it. It is a lot cheaper than an actual heat plate, but is the same basic concept. (Not that using a heat plate is a bad thing, the heating-pad-cooling-rack setup is just cheaper.) Just an idea.

That’s a neat idea too!!

 

[Mrs J]

They were headed over towards the food but I do see them snuggling up under the heat lamp sometimes

i actually have one just never set it up yet!

I think once you try it, or something similar, you will never look back. Peace of mind, everything, no fire risk, safe for the baby chicks. Good luck with your babies

 

[ChickNanny13]

Heating pad is what I use also ... The frame work is 1/2 x 1 welded wire which I can adjust height as needed. Wrapped in towel or cloth, held together with small bungee cords. I also cut potty pad for the top, seems like around 2 - 3wks they love getting on top.