Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[ChickenAl]

Thanks for the complements on the brooder. I built that one over three years ago as our main coop. Then chicken math came into play and had to build the larger new coop last spring. It works great as a brooder. I have 2, 350 watt lamps in there and the temp droped down to 58 deg. I got nervous and checked them out at 5:30 this morning. They were all doing just fine. I may lower the lamps to get the heat closer to them. Tough little buggers aren't they.

Rich, I think directly under the heat lamp is where it needs to be warm enough. The whole brooder doesn't have to be at the high end temp. I forgot what four week olds are supposed to be at but as long as they have enough room under the lamps to hang out in the warm temp, then they can go under when they are cold and walk around when they aren't. I used to keep the lamp at one end of the brooder andthey would either cuddle up together under it or be walking around the rest of the brooder. They can self regulate at that age if you give them a warm spot to go to when they need it.

 

[chickendude]

Rain all day = no work on the coop.

I heard it may clear up around noon time. Maybe you guys will get a bit more done today. The coop is looking great. I just built a new one last year. I love working outside with wood. kinda like therapy for me. I was just talking with my oldest son about expanding the run area. He's up to helping. He is 20 and great help with the grunt work.

 

[chickendude]

Rich, I think directly under the heat lamp is where it needs to be warm enough. The whole brooder doesn't have to be at the high end temp. I forgot what four week olds are supposed to be at but as long as they have enough room under the lamps to hang out in the warm temp, then they can go under when they are cold and walk around when they aren't. I used to keep the lamp at one end of the brooder andthey would either cuddle up together under it or be walking around the rest of the brooder. They can self regulate at that age if you give them a warm spot to go to when they need it.

100% right Al. But the thermometer was under the light, about 18 inches outside of the lighted area. No way around it, they had to go outside. They were getting way to cramped in the little brooder. Just like you said they are moving around and self regulating their body temp. Thanks for the input. Now its off to TSP for more starter grower and Layeena for the big girls.

 

[highpointfarm]

They should be fine... A chick at that age generates about 8 watts of heat... SO if you have 10 chicks, same as having a 80 watt light.. Even warmer if they are huddled together....

 

[smkchick]

I think we are all like minded in that respect, I've never been a girlie girl either!

Question: What do you all think of this design as a tee? I can customize them with your name on them. Yea or Nay?

Definitely YAY!! I love it.

 

[chickendude]

They should be fine... A chick at that age generates about 8 watts of heat... SO if you have 10 chicks, same as having a 80 watt light.. Even warmer if they are huddled together....

They did fine but I lowered the lights and the temp under the lights is 83 now. So they stay under the light when they need heat.

 

[highpointfarm]

They did fine but I lowered the lights and the temp under the lights is 83 now. So they stay under the light when they need heat.

Ok glad to hear it =]

 

[chickendude]

Al, I sent you 2 PM's didn't think the first one went through.

 

[Dirty Dozen]

YAY!

 

[chickendude]

YAY!

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