5 day old chicks - do you turn the brooder light at night

[maddogmike333]

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?

 

[card5640]

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.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Definitely not that young, but if they are inside you can probably start turning it off when they are a couple weeks old.

 

[Chicken Fruit]

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.