We made it through the first night!!

[chickie-is-obsessed]

I got up three times in the night to check my new chicks and all is well!!! I am so relieved. I was a bit concerned for a few of the Silkies but everyone is fine! I, on the other hand, feel like I haven't slept at all. Today is a PA day for my daughter so she can keep an eye on things or I might be tempted to stay home

My thermometer is reading 90 degrees but the chicks aren't laying directly under the lamp - should I raise it up more? They seem happy, nobody is panting or anything like that. I worry too much!
I love my new chickens! This is going to be a great adventure!

 

[Mahonri]

If they seem happy, they are. If they are panting and you have a lot of pasty butt, they are too hot. If they are too cold, they'll get right under the lamp.

 

[LauraG]

ohhhhhh mine too!!! I know exactley how you feel! We just had our first night.

I am so in love with these chicks, they are just hilarious!!

Good luck!

 

[gumpsgirl]

Congrats!

As long as the chicks are spread out through the brooder and seem to be happy, I wouldn't worry about adjusting the heat lamp. I never use a thermometer here as it makes me tend to worry more. I just watch the chicks and let them decide what temp. is right.

 

[chickie-is-obsessed]

Thanks everyone! I think one of my Brahmas is actually going to be a surprise breed. All of the other chicks have feathers on their legs except this one - completely naked!!

I love surprises!