How to raise Backyard Chickens: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Re: Advice please: New Chicks

Thanks Sue! I will put out a heat lamp for them to use when they're not
under mama. I'm leaning towards separating the rooster, at least at first;
now I just have to decide exactly how I'm going to set it up.

--Maureen

In a message dated 10/31/2011 12:59:11 P.M. US Mountain Standard Tim,
wildliferescue29@yahoo.com writes:

I'm not sure what others do but I'd remove the rooster.

Mama should indeed keep her babes warm however, you need to put up a lamp
for newly hatched chicks so when they're not under her, they have a warm
place to retreat to while she moves around the coop to eat, etc.

They need about 90-95 degree temp under the lamp, put a thermometer under
the lamp to get the correct temp. Make sure they have an area to get away
from the heat if they choose.

Each week, lift the lamp a bit decreasing the temp by about 5 degrees
until you get to about 70-75 degrees.

Don't know where you live but your climate will determine how long heat
will be necessary once they're fully feathered.

Best of luck ;)

Sue