Chicks can't hold their own body temperature until their feathers come in, so the brooder does it for them. The rule of thumb: start warm and cool down a little each week.
The schedule
- Week 1: about 95°F under the heat
- Week 2: about 90°F
- Week 3: about 85°F
- Week 4: about 80°F
- Week 5: about 75°F
- Week 6 and on: about 70°F, or room temperature once they're fully feathered
Measure at chick height directly under the heat. Raise a lamp a few inches each week to drop the temperature.
Trust the chicks over the thermometer
Chicks that crowd under the heat need more; chicks that avoid it need less. Always leave a cooler area so they can choose.
Garage and porch brooders
A cold snap overnight can drop a garage brooder fast. On cold nights, check the far end of the brooder before bed.