Temperatures for the Brooder Box

<p>From the time chicks hatch, they require different levels of heat as they age. Day-old and week-old chicks need temperatures to be no less that 95°F. <br/><br/>As the chicks get older, the temperature of the brooder box needs to be decreased five degrees each week they age. For instance, chicks that are two weeks old need a temperature of 90°F, and chicks that are three weeks old need 85°F. <br/><br/>Decreasing the temperatures in five degree increments continues until the chicks are fully feathered and can sustain the temperature at which the brooder box is located. <br/><br/>On average, chicks that are inside a house (65°F-70°F) can be without a heat source when they are six to seven weeks old. <br/><br/>It varies if the chicks are in a brooder box outside. Temperatures get colder at night, so the chicks will require artificial heat for longer than it would if chicks were inside a house. If so, the heat source will continue to decrease five degrees until the temperature of the brooder box can match the temperature outside. <br/><br/>After the chicks are fully feathered, I normally keep them inside without artificial heat for an additional two to four weeks. It depends on the season and weather conditions. If it is warm, as in summer, I usually take them outside when they are nine weeks old. If it is colder, I wait as long as possible to transfer them outside. I want to ensure the chicks take well to the change in temperatures. <br/><br/>If the chicks are fully feathered and the temperature outside is the same as inside of a house, chicks can go on "field trips" outside. "Field trips" are when chicks go out in a safe and enclosed area for a couple of hours. This will allow the chicks to become acclimated to the conditions outside of the brooder box. I usually set up a cage in a sunny area with access to shade, food, and water. After a couple of hours, I bring the chicks back to the brooder box inside and do repeat "field trips" if the weather permits and is warm enough. I do not recommend "field trips" on rainy days. I would accompany the chicks on the first "field trip" to see how they do. <br/><br/>Once the chicks are old enough and can sustain the temperatures outside, I transfer them out into grow-out cages. <br/><br/>*Below is an example of how the temperatures change as the chicks age. To get decreased temperatures in a brooder box, raise the heating source and use a thermometer to measure the temperature. <br/><br/>Age Temperature <br/>Week 1 95°F<br/>Week 2 90°F<br/>Week 3 85°F<br/>Week 4 80°F<br/>Week 5 75°F<br/>Week 6 70°F<br/>Week 7 65°F<br/>Week 8 60°F<br/>Week 9 55°F<br/>Week 10 50°F</p>