temp for brooder

[they'reHISchickens]

Everything says the brooder should be 95 degrees. I've got two thermometers in there and it's definitely not above 90. Mine is running between 85 and 90 and the chicks are the happiest little critters I've ever seen. These peeps are so quiet I don't even know they are in the house!

 

[debilorrah]

If they are comfortable that is what matters. If they are huddled near the lamp, then it is too cold.

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

I've never been able to brood chicks at 95*. They always end up in a far corner panting and would eventually end up with pasty butt. I start my chicks out at about 87*/88* and have never had a problem with these temps. I usually brood them in a small room with the door closed and no drafts at all. Maybe thats why, I don't know. Right now I have 50 brooding in my master bedroom study on the floor. I made a corral with boxes and have the front of the brooder open so they can come and go as they please. I have a heat lamp on the brooder box and one hanging over their little playground(125w each). The chicks are 9 days old and I've lowered the temp to 82* and they are doing fine and are not cold. I believe as others on this forum is to watch their behavior and not put to much emphasis into what the thermometer says.

 

[jossanne]

Quote:
Yep, what she said. I don't even keep a thermometer in my brooder. I have the light where its height is easily adjustable. As the temp changes in my house during the day, and the chicks either avoid the heat lamp or gather under it, I adjust the lamp up and down. They will be where they're the most comfortable, and are a much better temperature gauge than a thermometer.

Good luck!

 

[tammyd57]

I never have put a thermometer in my brooders. I brood outside and just hang a 100 watt bulb over one end of the box and the chicks get closer or farther according to what they like.