3 weeks old and heat requirements?

[Irmasmom]

I have 3 week old Cornish cross chicks. They are fully feathered except a tiny bit of fuzz left on their heads. I have had them in the enclosed and tarped outdoor run now for a week because they outgrew the brooder tub. I have provided them with a heat lamp (or two) when getting down 50 or below but now I have only been using one lamp for when it’s still getting down in the upper 50s or 60s when can they be without the heat lamp? I turn it off during the day when temps are in the 60s or higher and they aren’t huddling or anything. I’ve just always had laying hens so they seem to require a lot more heat for a lot longer of a time!

 

[CraftyHen]

If they're fully feathered they should be fine esp if your temps are in 60s. They might cuddle together at night but otherwise should be ok.

 

[NorthernMIFlock]

I have 3 week old Cornish cross chicks. They are fully feathered except a tiny bit of fuzz left on their heads. I have had them in the enclosed and tarped outdoor run now for a week because they outgrew the brooder tub. I have provided them with a heat lamp (or two) when getting down 50 or below but now I have only been using one lamp for when it’s still getting down in the upper 50s or 60s when can they be without the heat lamp? I turn it off during the day when temps are in the 60s or higher and they aren’t huddling or anything. I’ve just always had laying hens so they seem to require a lot more heat for a lot longer of a time!

I am having the exact same issue with my Cornish cross flock. They hatched 4/27 and aside from the bigger ones out growing their feathers too fast in spots, most are fully feathered. I moved mine out of the brooder in garage on Monday and they are still acting like newborns at outside at night without a light . I have had meat birds before but these seem way more reliant on the heat.