4 to 5 week old chicks

[simba49450]

Hi everyone

I have just joined and I am curious. The chicks are almost all feathered out, when can I take the light out at night. Right now they are on a 25 watt bulb. I'm not sure and was wondering if anyone knows that can help me.

thanks!!

 

[ChickenToes]

If you followed the rule of 95 degrees the first week, lowered 5 degrees per week after that, then the light can be removed at 5 or 6 weeks, or whenever you reach 70 degrees.

 

[chicknhawaii]

I'm not too sure where you are but my Chick-Chick never did have a light in her brooder with her after she came home with us (she was 3 days old).

As for our cuties, they're only 2 days old but did well without a light for most of last night.

Of course, night time temps here hover between 70-76 and I've covered their brooders with a really heavy blanket folded a couple of times so it's been easier than if we were living somewhere colder. So I may abandon the light altogether from tonight on.

The hatchery I got them from does recommend that you turn off the lights for about 20 minutes every now and then to get the babies used to darkness.

Good luck!

 

[gumpsgirl]

That depends a lot on your daily highs and nightly lows there. Chicks generally are pretty well feathered out around 7 wks. old and then I would say it would be safe to remove the heat lamp. If it is warm (70's) during the daytime it would probably be okay to unplug during the day, but I would leave it plugged in at night for a few more weeks if the nightly temps drop below 70 degrees.

 

[simba49450]

thanks alot!!
that helped me very much thank you all!!!

 

[hobobrando]

Would my 5 week olds be fine in a uninsulated coop with 40* lows at night.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Quote:
With a heat lamp, yes. See my post above.

 

[hobobrando]

thank you I'll have to pick up another heat lamp so I can get them out of the house. My heat lamp is on the chicks I ordered from Ideal.