The panting means they are too hot, try to position the heat lamp on one side of the brooder so they can get away from it if they get too warm.

If that doesn't work you could also try raising it a bit. Also make sure the brooder is plenty big enough so they have the room to get away from the heat lamp.

-Sheila

I finally got a temp reading for the box. It's 72 deg. That's low, isn't it? Have the chicks caught cold?

They're not pasted up; I have the poops to prove it! Is there any other way to tell if they've gotten chilled?

Cold chicks usually pile up to stay warm.

Maybe they have a respiratory illness from being chilled.

Put your lamp close to one side of your pen & lower.
I prefer a 75 watt bulb about 8-10 inches from the floor.
That usually is warm enough for new chicks. put the thermometer directly under the light. It should read around 95F.

M