temp control

[HiddenAcresHens]

Hello, my wife and I have 9 chicks- 6 Welsummers and 3 Legbars. This is day 10 in the brooder. Yesterday, I raised the red lamp 6 inches and the temp remained the same. Today, I raised the lamp 12 inches more for a total of 18 inches and the temp only went down a couple degrees in the brooder box. I read a recommendation calling for the lamp to be raised by 3 inches per week to get the desired drop in temperature?! They don't seem uncomfortable presently, but I'm concerned that lowering the temp by 5 degrees each week will prove challenging. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Jake and Rachel Johnson- Akeley, MN

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us and congrats on your new flock.

IMO place a chick safe thermometer in the brooder and move the light up to see the 5 degree drop in temp. If having a problem with the temp not dropping, likely the room the brooder is in has more warmth then most of us had with garage, basement or outdoor coop for the brooder location and they may not really need it at all?

If they act, eat, drink normally then don't worry about "going by the book".

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X2, where you have to have the light will depend on the room temp and the brooder size etc... also the whole brooder doesn't need to be the same temp, the high temp should be under the light and there should be cooler spots for the chicks to go if they are too hot.

 

[drumstick diva]

Do you know what your room temperature is?

 

[HiddenAcresHens]

Thank you for the feedback- we have the chicks in an insulated, attached garage. The temp stays about 70-75 degrees in the garage even if it's 85 degrees outside. I have the thermometer in a corner of the brooder. The temp is just not dropping much with raising the lamp. It sounds like the garage might be too warm?

 

[tjo804]

I wouldnt say the garage is too warm at 10 to 12 days the chicks should be around 80 to 90 deg. so 70 might chill them.you may be able to get away with a smaller light if you are out of room to raise it up.

Good luck

 

[HiddenAcresHens]

Great idea- as I need to lower the temp to 80-85 degrees, I'll try a smaller lamp. Thanks!

 

[tjo804]