Am I OK to remove the heating lamp?

[peepsandquacks]

My ducks have been huddeling in the corner on the opposite side of where the lamp is for a few days. I lowered the wattage to 100, and moved it further up (it was at 24 inches, and I moved it to 36in), but they still stay in that far corner, and cram together. Even at night when the heat is at 68.

I cleaned the pen this morning, and left the lamp out. It has been an hour and they are now sitting (about 1/4 in inch apart, no longer crammed together) over where the light used to be.

Should I keep it out now? My duckies are 1.5 weeks old. It seems so early, but they obviously hate that light.

Without light (they scrunched together to sleep)

With light (on the opposite side smushed into the corner)

 

[BirdBrain]

They look fine to be without a lamp. Basically just try it and see.

 

[FenDruadin]

If they act comfortable, they're comfortable. What is your ambient temp there? In summer, my baby ducks only get heat for a few days before they're ready to do without. If it gets cool where they are at night, I'd check on them every couple hours to be sure they're still comfortable, but it sounds like they're ready to go without. Good luck!

 

[peepsandquacks]

My house temp is about 70 durring the day, and 68 at night. It feels slightly warmer in the box (never took exact temps) when the light is on. Maybe 75-80.

 

[FenDruadin]

Sounds just fine to me, but let the ducks be the guide. Check on them during the night to make sure they're still warm enough. Make sure they are dry (not sleeping on wet bedding). If the box is small, they are probably keeping it pretty warm just with their body heat. Sometimes their body temp will drop at night from inactivity, so do check. Or, keep them nearby where you can hear if they get loud--and they WILL let you know if they're cold. They will get quite insistent with the cheeping.

Good luck. Sounds like they're done with the heat lamp.

 

[DurhamDuck]

I'd let them be during the day when it's warmest and watch them. Then at night I'd still give them the light because it least in my parts the temps can still dip down. Perhaps the lamp is too low? I'd keep it up high for them.