Newly hatched chicks are unable to regulate their own body temperature, a physiological function that develops over several weeks. This period, known as brooding, requires an external heat source, such as a heat lamp, for their survival and healthy development. Providing the correct temperature environment ensures the chicks can properly digest food, maintain their metabolism, and grow strong immune systems. The duration of brooding depends on the chicks’ age, feather development, and the ambient temperature of their surroundings.
The Week-by-Week Temperature Guide
The standard approach to brooding involves a gradual reduction in temperature over several weeks to encourage the chicks to acclimate to cooler conditions. The initial temperature for newly hatched chicks should be maintained between 90 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first seven days.
After the first week, the temperature should be systematically lowered by approximately five degrees Fahrenheit for each subsequent week. This reduction is typically achieved by raising the heat lamp slightly higher above the brooder floor. The goal is to reach a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit by the time the chicks are six weeks old.
It is important to measure the temperature directly at the chicks’ level, which is usually about two inches above the bedding, rather than measuring the temperature near the lamp itself. The heat lamp is generally removed entirely when the chicks are fully feathered, which usually occurs between six and eight weeks of age.
Reading the Chicks: Behavioral Cues for Readiness
While a temperature schedule provides a useful starting point, the chicks’ behavior is the most accurate indicator of their comfort level and the true temperature they are experiencing. Chicks that are too cold will instinctively huddle tightly together directly under the heat source, often piling on top of one another. This behavior is usually accompanied by loud, distressed chirping, signaling that the heat is insufficient.
Conversely, chicks that are too warm will spread out and move to the outer edges of the brooder, attempting to distance themselves from the heat lamp. In cases of overheating, they may also exhibit panting or hold their wings slightly away from their bodies to dissipate heat.
The ideal temperature is indicated when the chicks are evenly dispersed throughout the brooder area, quietly exploring, eating, and drinking. Observing these cues allows for immediate adjustments to the heat source. Adjusting the heat lamp height is the primary method for temperature control; raising the lamp cools the area, while lowering it increases the warmth.
Final Transition to the Coop
The final step in the brooding process is the complete removal of the heat lamp and the permanent move to the outdoor coop. This transition should only occur once the chicks are fully feathered, meaning their downy fluff has been replaced by adult feathers, which typically happens around six to eight weeks of age. Feathers provide the natural insulation necessary for the chicks to regulate their own body temperature without supplemental heat.
A second determining factor is the ambient outdoor temperature, which should be consistently above 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night, before the heat is removed. To prepare the chicks for this change, a process called “hardening off” is recommended. This involves turning the heat lamp off during the day for several days, allowing the chicks to experience the cooler room temperature while still having the option of warmth at night.
Before the final move, the permanent coop must be thoroughly prepared to ensure the chicks’ safety and comfort. This preparation includes making certain the structure is completely draft-free, as drafts can chill young birds quickly, and that it is secure against potential predators.