Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hi everyone,

I’ve just started brooding a batch of chicks, and I’m running into an issue. No matter what I try, they seem to be too cold, especially at night. I’ve got a heat lamp set up, but they’re still huddling together for warmth, and some seem to be chirping more than usual.

I’ve checked the temperature, and it seems right, but I’m worried I’m either over- or under-heating them. How do I know if they’re too hot or too cold? Any tips for adjusting the brooder to keep them comfortable?

Thanks so much for your help!

NestEggNut wrote: Tue Jan 14, 2025 3:48 pm Hi everyone,

I’ve just started brooding a batch of chicks, and I’m running into an issue. No matter what I try, they seem to be too cold, especially at night. I’ve got a heat lamp set up, but they’re still huddling together for warmth, and some seem to be chirping more than usual.

I’ve checked the temperature, and it seems right, but I’m worried I’m either over- or under-heating them. How do I know if they’re too hot or too cold? Any tips for adjusting the brooder to keep them comfortable?

Thanks so much for your help!

It sounds like your heat lamp might be too far away or not providing consistent warmth across the brooder. A good rule of thumb is to keep the temperature at about 95°F for the first week, then decrease it by 5°F each week. You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, but also observe the chicks’ behavior, if they’re huddling directly under the lamp, they’re probably cold, and if they’re moving away from the light, they might be too hot.

Also, make sure the brooder is large enough to give them space to move away from the heat if they get too warm. A heat plate or ceramic heat emitter could also be a good alternative if you’re concerned about the heat lamp being too harsh.

It’s normal for chicks to huddle together, but the chirping might indicate that the temperature isn’t quite right.
Check if the heat source is positioned evenly across the brooder to provide consistent warmth.
You might also want to add a couple of heat sources, like a heat pad or another lamp on opposite sides so they can regulate their temperature by moving around.
As for the behavior, if they’re chirping loudly and running away from the heat source, it could mean they’re too hot.
Conversely, if they’re chirping and clumping under the lamp, they’re likely too cold.
Keep an eye on their behavior and adjust the temperature accordingly.
You’ll get the hang of it soon!

Add a red heat bulb instead of a white one. It provides warmth without being too bright, which can stress the chicks and disrupt their sleep cycles.

Check the temperature at chick level, not just the air. Use a thermometer placed where the chicks stand to ensure it's around 95F for the first week, then reduce it by 5F each week.

Observe their behavior. If they're active, eating, and drinking normally, they're likely comfortable. If they're lethargic or piling up, adjust the heat immediately.

Create a temperature gradient in the brooder. Keep one side warmer with the heat lamp and the other side cooler so the chicks can move to their preferred spot.

Make sure the brooder is draft-free. Even if the temperature is right, cold drafts can make them feel chilly. Use cardboard or towels to block any airflow.

Consider using a brooder plate instead of a heat lamp. It mimics a mother hen's warmth and allows chicks to regulate their own temperature more naturally.

If they're avoiding the heat lamp and panting, they're too hot. If they're huddled directly under it, they're too cold. Adjust the lamp height until they're evenly spread and calm.