New/Old Member

[JenWatts]

I was a member but I lost my flock 5 years ago and life was hectic. So, my new chick's will be here next week! I'm back and so excited. I live in Mississippi. It's about 90 degrees F during the day an 65 F at night. I have never brooded chickens outside but I'm desperately hoping it will work this time. I have a huge galvanize tub on my covered back deck (shaded). I plan on using one of those warmer plates in the evening so they can huddle under it for warmth. Should I use it during the day too just in case? Maybe set the plate in the highest setting? I'll cover it in hardware cloth so they can't escape.

 

[LTAY1946]

Hello and Welcome Back to BYC. It's good to have you in this poultry loving community. If they huddle together tightly they are to cold if they spread far and wide make sure they are not to warm. Having an accurate thermometer would me most advised.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hi, and welcome to BYC! It's so nice to meet you! Please make yourself at home!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello Jen, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
With that kind of heat I would not use a galvanized tub. The chicks need a lot of ventilation and you won't get good air movement in there.
But if you have no other alternatives, yes just the brooder plate at night and probably only for the first two weeks. They will not need that heat in the daytime. They're going to need cooling and fresh air in the daytime.

 

[N F C]

Hi Jen, congrats on the upcoming chicks! @DobieLover has provided good advice, hope things work out well for you.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome back to BackYard Chickens. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska! The Best of Luck with your Plans.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I'm in east Texas, so similar climate. I breed my chicks by sectioning off an area of the coop. I use a mama heating pad, which is similar to a brooder plate, and keep it on low 24/7 where they can access it as needed.
I agree with @DobieLover the metal brooder is not a good idea.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

Congrats on your up and coming flock! Watch how they act. If they seem active and not huddling or piling on each other than they are probably good. If they appear cold, definitely add the heat. Keep it off in the corner, they can use it if they wish, if they don't then thats good too.

Welcome to our community!

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC! Thanks for joining us.

 

[Jenbirdee]

welcome back!!!