We are new!

[Krewe of M]

We just got baby chicks that are about 3 weeks old! Do they still need a heat lamp? If we don't have one, what can we substitute with?

 

[ronmauldin]

Temp in brooder should be about 95 (under heat lamp) first week and dropped about 5 degrees each week. Temp in room should be about 70. Heat lamp is preferable way to go so the chicks can move to hotter or cooler areas of brooder as they need.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Yes, chicks will still need heat for a few more weeks. Chicks are started at 90 to 95 degrees the first week, lowered by 5 degrees each week for 5 or 6 weeks. Keep the heat off to one side, thermometer on the floor directly beneath the lamp. Food and water off on the other side. You want them to have to leave the heat to get to the goods. Use a large enough brooder so there are cool spots in the brooder. You don't want the entire brooder at 90 degrees. You want cool edges. Do not cover your brooder with anything but a screen or wire for good heat and oxygen exchange.

Here is an article from our learning center on raising chicks...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ks-the-first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens

Enjoy your new chicks and welcome to our flock!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You've gotten some good advice above on temperature and chicks, you can get the heat lamps at most feed or hardware type stores.

 

[gander007]