Temperature For New Chicks?

[CharlotteHens]

I am getting 7 or 8 new Ameracuna chicks and wondered how exact the temperature needs to be. Our books indicate a start of 95 for day or two old chicks and going down by 5 degrees each week.

We were able to get to 95 a few years ago by using a 250 watt heating bulb but we did it in a spare bedroom in the house. Once in the house is enough

This time the chicks will be outside in a new shed that has no insulation or heat. It is draft free and we will be using the heating bulb again.

Yesterday got up into the 60's in Charlotte but nighttime will be in the 30's. During the day yesterday the temperature in our little box did get up to 100 but this morning, after a high 30's night the temperature was only 82.

Do you think this will work?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[deerman]

Yes when using a heat light......just check under the light area, if its 95 that good. chicks will move around and get under the light if they need the heat.

 

[FMAFarms]

If necessary, you can always get a second clip-on light that takes a 150 watt bulb, to add on on those extra cold-snap nights...

 

[GeneJordan]

I got one of these Dimmer Switches off of eBay, and it works great.

It is rated for 600 watts, so if you had two 250w lamps plugged into it, you would have a lot of leeway to adjust the temp without having to move the lamp.