Wouldn't an inside thermometer be deceiving?

[GardenState38]

Have to ask--what is the problem with having a thermometer on hand to check the temperatures in and around the brooder? (it's moveable, so you can read temperatures in various areas of the brooder--both under and away from the heat lamp.)
Sure, you could observe the chicks' behavior (and you always must do that anyhow!), but why all the guess-work?
A thermometer is an inexpensive, widely available tool that can make your life a lot easier.

Chicks can also get overheated in the summer--especially when there isn't adequate airflow (locked in a small, stuffy bathroom, perhaps) Why not spend a few bucks to get a thermometer to make sure the area the chicks are in is at the optimum? I'd even go one step further and suggest a hygrometer to measure humidity, but that's me. You can even get an LED thermometer/hygrometer pretty cheap nowadays.

There's "huddling", but then there's "piling"--I'd hate to lose a single chick to suffocation because my brooder wasn't warm enough.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I know lots of people use rubbermaid type tubs to brood but I have trouble getting the temp right that way. I have great success brooding in an outbuilding with heatlamps for a hot spot and plenty of space for them to get to a cooler area. Never lost a chick that way.
I went out of town once leaving a friend to housesit/chickensit. All the chicks in the rubbermaid tub died, I'm sure they were too hot.

 

[trooper]

Gardenstate38 I didn't say that getting a thermometor was wrong or bad.I just said that I didn't use one.You can tell if they are huddling for heat or for closeness.I haven't had a problem with this way.I keep them in the living room so that they can be constantly observed.A thermometor is a good tool to have.I also listen for their sounds and that can also tell you if it's good or bad.I also get my peeps in the spring.I know that heat can be bad for them.My coop is vented good when I turn them out and the way I get them ready for the coop has been good.Whatever works and you feel good about it.

 

[rancher hicks]

Quote:
I used to believe this but found it may not be so. In fact I've had to raise the red light due to it' being so hot for them. I keep a thermometer taped to the side, inside the brooder at chick level. I use a clear bin from Walmart.

I'd suggest going by appearance. If they stay away from the light raise it. If they huddle under it lower it. You want them to run around the brooder comfortably.

I've had broodies and their chicks do not stay under them 24/7. They run out and eat or whatever and come back.

 

[trooper]

rancher hicks that is what I'm thinking.The themometor is a good guideline to start with,but you have to adjust to the nature of the peeps you have.

Liste4n to your birds and watch how they act and adjust the light accordingly.I use a white light.It works for me