Thermometer for Chicken Brooder

[German Chick]

Howdy, so I had my little chicks for a 1 1/2 weeks and they are growing like weeds. I put a thermometer in the brooder to monitor the temperature under the lamp and of course the little girls pooped on it. After wiping it down, water have must gotten into it and it died. Now I am in the market for a new one. I would love to hear which thermometer everyone is using or how ya'll monitor the temperature. Thank you!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Personally I find observing chick behaviour to be as good as using a thermometer. remember that the brooder should have a gradient of temps and that chicks huddling together means they need more warmth; if they are dispersed and have their beaks agape and their wings out, they are too warm.

No doubt others will be along to share their favourite thermometer brand.

 

[featherhead007]

Howdy, so I had my little chicks for a 1 1/2 weeks and they are growing like weeds. I put a thermometer in the brooder to monitor the temperature under the lamp and of course the little girls pooped on it. After wiping it down, water have must gotten into it and it died. Now I am in the market for a new one. I would love to hear which thermometer everyone is using or how ya'll monitor the temperature. Thank you!

Moral of that story, "when the foo chits, wear it!"

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I just use an acurite digital thermometer. I don't know how long I've had it 5-6 yrs.
Yes, it does get pooped on, I clean it up by wiping it by a damp paper towel and lysol.

It's always a good idea to keep a watch on temperature, but chick behavior is a very good indicator of how hot/cool they are.
If they avoid heat=too hot
If they huddle under the heat=too cold.

You want chicks spread out fairly well. One warm spot in the brooder and let the rest be cool.

All that said, I abandoned using a heat lamp a few years back and now use a heating pad. Chicks do very well, they sleep through the night, less risk of fire, etc. I DO put the thermometer in their heating pad "cave" just to make sure it's warming, but the chicks will let you know if it's cold - they scream LOL I've found if you insulate the cave with either more towels or even with bedding (heaping on top) the temp can go way up, so you want to watch that (they won't go in their cave if it's too hot).

Good luck with your babies - we would love to see them - do you have photos?

 

[igorsMistress]

I just watch the chicks. If they're huddled together under the lamp it's too cold. If they're all congregating as far from the lamp as possible it's too warm.

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you here!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I also just watch the chicks. I use a brooder plate if no broody hen is running at the time.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community!

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC.

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens, I like you're gonna LOVE this place.