4 week old EE's do they still need heat at night?

[HotChick58]

I have six 4 week old EE hens. This is my first chicken venture and really fun so far. I live in S. Florida and they have been in the coop we built since day one. Our nights are still very warm, average 78 or higher. I have been putting the lamp on at night but was wondering if I could stop now that they are a month old. Also, when is it okay to let them out in the pen? I was thinking maybe for a couple of hours a day while I am outside working with my horses. Thanks a lot, great info here!

 

[scottbrown]

I think you just need to go off your instinct here. My chicks are a week old and I moved them from their Rubber Maid tub to their coop already, slowly getting them ready for the upcoming winter. I have their heat light on in the coop, but also open the door in the day (with the light still on) just to see how they handle it. So far so good as they appear to be happy little chicks, eating and pooping their way to adulthood.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My personal formula is to start at 85 degrees and lower the temperature by 5 degrees a week until they are feathered or the brooding temperature is the same as outside temperatures, so yours should be at 70 degrees, mine get outside as soon as two weeks old if the weather is warm.

 

[donrae]

I have a broody hen with chicks that are around 4 weeks. They no longer sleep under momma at night, it's too warm. They just group around her. I think your chicks will be fine. If they cheep incessantly, they're probably a touch cool and need a warm-up for a few more nights.

 

[Emma Miriam]

They'll be fine! 78 is very warm, and they're probably fairly feathered at 4 weeks. If they did get cold, they'd huddle together and warm right up.

Letting them out for a few hours is a great idea. If you do so a few hours before dusk, they should return on their own as it starts to get dark.

Hope that helps!

 

[MadamPoofyBrow]

I'd say it's plenty warm too :-D

 

[prinellie]

Will they "pile" if I turn off the light at night? They were freaking out when they were younger but they are 3 weeks now. It's mid 60's at night and they are in the barn and it's insulated and keeps pretty even temp.

 

[Emma Miriam]

Prinellie, I'd wait another week to turn off the heat lamp completely. They're probably not fully feathered at 3 weeks old, so mid-60s might be a bit too chilly at night.

How many chicks do you have? They probably will huddle together in a corner for warmth and security. That's perfectly fine: it may take them a while to start roosting. They'll settle down soon enough.

 

[prinellie]

Emma - I have 15 Buff orps Ok sounds good. I turn it off during the day just because we are having a really hot spell right now. But I can keep it on at night for a couple more weeks no problem. Thanks!!

 

[Emma Miriam]

I love BOs. Have fun with them!

Yeah, one week is probably all you need. By then, they'll be mostly feathered and can huddle together if they get chilly.

Enjoy!