55 at night 78 day - too cold for 3.5 wk. chicks?

[horsefeathers09]

I have a nice predator proof coop that offers shelter but is not completely draft proof, plywood on the sides and a roof. If I hang a heat lamp in there are my 3.5 week babies going to be warm enough in 55 degree night time temps? There are 17 chicks total. Right now they are in the garage, just getting a bit much to keep the brooder clean, and I think they could use more space. Thanks.

 

[BeardedLadyFarm]

If they are pretty much fully feathered, I think that many would be okay. 17 of them should give off a fair amount of heat. Just listen. They'll let you know if they're unhappy.

 

[SassyKat6181]

I put mine out in the coop at 3 weeks (12 of them) with the lamp about 24 inches off the ground. We had 30's at night and they were fine.

 

[denim deb]

I have 3 chicks w/their "mother" out in our old dog house. They're now 4.5 weeks old. Last night, it got down to 35. They were fine.

 

[Mahonri]

I keep a lamp for mine until they are 5 weeks old. After that they are OK without one..