Will chicks move away from heat source if too hot?

[Viking84]

i built my own brooder and wire run area for the 16 chicks I have coming in April. It is 6x3 feet with a closed in area of 2.5x3 feet and open wire run of 3.5 x3 feet. Instead of a big light bulb heater system I am using a small space heater. I have tested it out and found that the temps inside range from about 103 degrees a few inches in front of the heater, down to about 80 degrees on the opposite side of the enclosure. My question is, will the chicks move to an area inside the enclosure that is comfortable for them? Or do I have to keep every corner of the enclosure the same temp? The chicks will also have the ability to walk out the opening into the wire run and walk on actual grass. I live in South Georgia and daytime temps are already in the 70s

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

103 is way too hot and may bake your chicks. In my experiences not all day old chicks make good decisions. I would rethink your heat source.

 

[Viking84]

103 is way too hot and may bake your chicks. In my experiences not all day old chicks make good decisions. I would rethink your heat source.

I can easily turn the heat down and have the temp around 90-95 close to the heater, but then the temp on the far side of the enclosure would drop down to the low 70s. Would that be better?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's definitely better. I generally shot for 85-90 my first week than start lowering the temps by 5 degrees a week until I reach ambient temperatures.

That first week I give my chicks less room so they stay warm enough, but I make sure they don't overheat.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Definitely dial it down so the hotter area is no higher than 95 or so. Having the cool side down at 70 is perfectly fine, not that cold at all.