Should I just keep the heat lamp off?

Sowatee

Hatching
Mar 23, 2017
5
0
7
I have 7 1 1/2-2 week old chicks and 1 week old chick. They never use the heat lamp. I've checked proper temps and everything, even going down to <90 and they won't use it. They all stay huddled together on the cool side. I've adjusted it so many times and I'm not sure what to do. Granted it's a little cramped (brooder too small for the size flock) and I'm going to be building a coop and moving them outside (not yet). Temps are steadily rising (CV California) and are expected to reach the 80's very soon.

For right now I just turned off the heat lamp a few minutes ago. House temp is at 75. Outside at 55. No wind or draft, etc. 8 of them are in a large plastic tub. Those ones everyone sends clothes in. I realize now I was an idiot (I forgot that they grow) as it's way too small for that number (it should house at most 3). I was planning on building their coops this Friday, leaving them all in one until they get bigger to be separated.

Will they be fine? They were loud for a moment (never slept in dark), but they're all quiet and content right now.
 
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I'd imagine that they are fine. They would be chirping if they were cold.
 
Can you move them to a larger enclosure? I saw some folks were using cardboard wardrobe boxes. That would give them a lot more room to flap around. Building always takes longer than you expect so an interim solution would take a bit of pressure off.
 

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