3 week old chicks

[reefshrks]

I'm new at raising chicks. I have 3 week old chicks in a brooder in the chicken coop. I'm wondering when I can stop using the red light heat source. It's warm outside (85 or higher), and when I use the light it gets too hot. I was thinking to just turn the light off and keep the 3 week old chicks in the coop. Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[chicmom]

How is the feathering on those chicks? Once they are fully feathered, then you don't have to worry about a heat source. With temps around 85, I think they'll be fine as long as it doesn't get too cold at night, and they're not in a drafty area.

Here in Ohio, it can be really hot during the day, then drop to 55 at night, which would really chill the little buggers. Maybe just use your light at night if it gets chilly then.....

 

[reefshrks]

At night it might drop 10 degrees but no more than that here in eastern NC. They still have a little more feathering out to do, mostly the head and a couple spots on the body still have down. Thanks for you comments.

 

[colebarnhart]

They will actually let you know if they are too hot or cold. If they huddle up together=too cold, avoiding the light=too hot.

 

[teach1rusl]

What wattage bulb are you using?? I'd get a lower wattage (I'm using a 75 W red reptile bulb now) bulb, and put it on a timer to come on at night time only for another week or two. My little ones have been spending several hours a day outside here (we've been around 85/sunny), and they're just over a week old. I set up a heatlamp w/another 75 W bulb in a little doghouse coop in their little outside play area, but they only go in to nap, and then they're right back outside running hither and yon. Of course they come inside to their brooder by late afternoon - but still, just a 75 W bulb. Pet supply stores carry these bulbs - reptile section.