Technically, what is "too cold to tolerate in the brooder"???

[_Randall_]

What does the temperature have to go down to before it's too cold for newborn quail to not have a chance for survival? I've read 98º is ideal.........I've read 95º is ideal............I've heard if it gets to ~93º, it's "feet up" for the little boogers???? For us homemade brooder folks, realistically, you have a heat lamp shining down in the brooder, right? We know right under the light is the warmerst, right? Not all of that box is gonna be the same temp, right? Gonna be "cooler" areas in the box, right? Just how critical is getting that 95º (or 98º) for them to survive????

 

[underground chickenman]

I have always heard it is the same as for chickens....95 the first week and 5 degrees lower each week until fully feathered, but my experience with my first coturnix hatch suggests that they can take it cooler earlier than chicken chicks. Mine are only 9 days old and they seem quite comfortable in the mid-80s already. They seem to feather out much faster than chickens. In fact, mine appear pretty darn close to fully feathered now. I just keep an eye on them and make sure they are spread out nice and evenly around the brooder. If so, they are fine. In fact, the only time I have had them bunch up was to get away from the heat and it was only 90 under the light during the first week.

Don't take my experience as the rule. It may be an exception. Let's see what others have to say.

UGCM

 

[lagpmgdsls]

I just make sure that a warm enough temp is available to them. They are pretty darn good at adjusting where in the brooder they hang out depending on how much heat they need.

 

[JJMR794]

They Are Heat Seeking Missiles With Beaks And Feet--- So Long As They Have A "zone That Is Warm Enough They Will Find It And Make Themselves At Home

Its A Good Idea That Not All The Brooder Is The Same Temp--- There Should Be Areas That Are Heated And Areas That Are Cooler. This Allows Them To Get Away From The Heated Zone When They Feel Too Warm And Be Able To Cool Down As They Feel Necessary For Their Own Comfort.

 

[_Randall_]

Sounds like I may be OK, then. I too was thinking that if the brooder is big enough (4' x 4' in my case) to have room to get away from the hot spot, that they would probably be able to figure that out. I've got the heat lamp kinda favoring a little to one side of center, and the coolest temp I'm getting is 91 in both corners furtherest from the lamp.

BUT, if I don't have some eggs gettin' unzipped by tonight, I may not be needing this brooder box for a little while!!!

 

[shelleyd2008]

If they are piling on top of each other, it's too cold. The 98* thing keeps them from piling, at 95* they try to crawl under each other. Since most people hatch a lot of quail at the same time, piling becomes a problem. The ones on the bottom end up getting smushed. If you only have a few (10 or so), then 95 is okay, but if you have a lot of the little stinkers, keep them warm so they don't smother each other

 

[JJMR794]

Oh 1 Lil Caveat! Always Always Always Keep The Water Font As Far Away From The Heat As Possible With Quail!!! This Will Help Prevent Drownings And Other Losses.

 

[_Randall_]

Quote:
That's oe reason I got several of the dry ones out of the bator as soon as they got fluffy. They were ganging up just to nap several times. Don't think it was temp..........99.5 degrees, and 81% humidity. Plus too, they're in a LG with 6 quail rails, so there's not much space to be gavalantin' around.

 

[_Randall_]

Quote:
Gotcha. A couple have found the water so far. How long can they go without water after getting in the brooder? I have feed scattered all on the floor, and they picked up on that instantly.