[Sluggs]

Hi,

We hatched four chicks yesterday morning, and now moved them to the Brooder in our front room, temp about 23 C. I purchase an infra red lamp 100w today and mounted it above the brooder. giving a temperature of about 32 - 34 C.
I read some people use a 60w light bulb and have no problem, I cant see that temp. would come from a 60w bulb, so is the brooder too warm ?

The chickens lay around alot and don`t seem to be panting or cuddling together.
Any advice would be great.......
many thanks

[smiler43]

Yeah we've just had some chicks for a while and that was a 60 Watt bulb we used, it was plenty warm enough.

[Vember]

Suppose it depends on the area of your brooder Sluggs

My ducklings are in one of those big plastic storage boxes with a 60 watt bulb clipped on the side with some tin foil over one part of the top to keep the heat in, they be as happy as larry


Sarah

[Sluggs]

hi,

do you know what temp the brooder should be, i put them in about 4 oclock this evening,
maybe its too hot.

[Vember]

As a rule :
 Day old 35, 1 week 33, 2 weeks 30, 3 weeks 28 and 4 weeks 25 (all celsius )

They'll get as far away from the heat as poss if too hot you may notice them being more lethargic and even panting.

Sarah

[smiler43]

Not sure on temp but if it's too hot they will go away from the light, if too cold they will go towards the light and huddle together.  

[Sluggs]

Many thanks,

[Kate and her Ducks]

From my book it says 1 day - 35C
                                  1 week - 33C
                                  2 weeks - 30C
                                  3 weeks - 28C
                                  4 weeks - 25C

I have ducks and they are a bit hardier and need less heat but I generally judge it by their behaviour.

Ah, Sarah beat me to it.

[Sluggs]

thanks kate,