we have new chicks but wondering if we should turn off the brooder light at night so they can sleep? If yes, how long should we turn it off?
No keep it on they need the heat for at least 6- 8 weeks or fully feathered depending on where you live. Just keep it at one end of the box so they can move away if its too hot.
Definitely not that young, but if they are inside you can probably start turning it off when they are a couple weeks old.
No, dont turn it off ever. Not until theyre feathered out, but even then they need access to it during their quiet sleep time. For the first 5-6 weeks depending on ambient temps you'll have to leave it on 24/7. If your house is warm, or your in a warm area you can turn it off for a spell during the warmest part of the day when theyre 3-4 weeks old. I usually put mine outside in the sun at that age during the day for a few hours. BUt only if its over 65 outside. And they need it when they come back in.
