Still questioning baby chicks

[Allegra17]

Sorry for multiple posts. I just got my chicks yesterday. I’m still confused on my chickens behavior. They’re 3 weeks old. I’ve used several different heating variations and I can’t figure out if it’s right for them.

I currently have a 100 watt heat lamp and the temperature to the left shows 85 degrees. I previously had a 250 watt and got the temp to 90 degrees but their behavior stayed the same. They are cuddled together but away from the heat source. Are they too hot? Are they too cold? I can’t figure it out! Why aren’t they happily chirping and walking around?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

That is way too close for a heat lamp in a cage that small. They are too hot trying to get away from the heat

 

[No Coop No Problem]

I'm raising 10 chicks in a brooder right now with zero heating and they're doing perfect. Depending on your climate your chicks may not need any additional heating at all this time of year. Just place the brooder into a portion of your home with the correct temperature

 

[Allegra17]

That is way too close for a heat lamp in a cage that small. They are too hot trying to get away from the heat

Even though my thermometer says 85 degrees?

 

[Allegra17]

I'm raising 10 chicks in a brooder right now with zero heating and they're doing perfect. Depending on your climate your chicks may not need any additional heating at all this time of year. Just place the brooder into a portion of your home with the correct temperature

we keep our house at about 71-74 degrees though

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Even though my thermometer says 85 degrees?

Are you using a digital thermometer? If so there is a good chance that is off. They cannot be calibrated and often are inaccurate. Those chicks huddling away like that is them telling you that they are too hot. They need to be able to get away from the heat and they cannot with this current setup. Chicks do not need to be kept in a hot area constantly, but rather have access to somewhere warm to go when they need to heat back up

 

[Allegra17]

Are you using a digital thermometer? If so there is a good chance that is off. They cannot be calibrated and often are inaccurate. Those chicks huddling away like that is them telling you that they are too hot. They need to be able to get away from the heat and they cannot with this current setup. Chicks do not need to be kept in a hot area constantly, but rather have access to somewhere warm to go when they need to heat back up

My heat lamp is adjustable. I currently have it at the highest setting but I am able to dim as much as is needed. How do I know how much to adjust? Is there a way I can test the temperature accurately?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

My heat lamp is adjustable. I currently have it at the highest setting but I am able to dim as much as is needed. How do I know how much to adjust? Is there a way I can test the temperature accurately?

If you don’t have an analog thermometer I would let the chicks tell you. If they are huddled constantly directly under the lamp they are too cold and if they are huddled constantly at the other side of the cage like in the picture they are too hot. If they are just right they will be running around playing going between the warmer and cooler side as needed.

 

[Yardmom]

You mentioned your chicks are three weeks old. 80 degrees could be used at the warmest spot, but they would need cooler places as well. 85-90 would be the temp used for day old chicks. They are too hot.
Personally I would not use heat with 3 week old chicks in the summer.

 

[nuthatched]

Turn off the lamp.