I will be receiving my new sweeter heater ( hopefully tomorrow ). My chicks are out in the garage in the PNW. We are still at about 30-35* lows at night. How far above the chicks heads should I have this to start? My chicks are 1 week.
Depends on what wattage you have coming, best is have a digital thermometer w/ probe on their level, might be a little hard to check since it’s infrared heater and adjust height accordingly.
The chicks will show you. If they stay around the outside edge, too low. If they stand under it peeping or climbing up on each other, too high. If they make a little raft while they sleep underneath (just touching, no piling) just right. I never used a thermometer with my heat lamp because reading the chicks is more reliable.
I start mine just a few inches about the bedding. Enough for them to run under maybe 4-5 inches. I will raise it as they tell me to. They are so quiet with the sweeterheater, you'll find yourself checking on them frequently the first few days .