Are my chicks safe in the 20's temps?

[Leisa1968]

My chicks are now 10 weeks old and fully feathered. They are outside in a coop and I am locking them in at night. (in the coop) The temps are getting down in the 20's at night now and I DO have a heat lamp in their coop (ceramic bulb) that doesn't emmit alot of heat but I still feel better having it in there. What if it burns out and I don't know it?.......Will they be ok? (so worried)

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Short answer is - ABSOLUTELY
Where are you? What are the breeds?

10 weeks and 20 degrees is perfect. They'll acclimate well at that age/temp.

ETA: At that age I'd give them as much exposure to temps as possible. The sooner they get used to the cool temps the better off they'll be. Because you're cold doesn't mean they are.
Most chickens like 20 degrees MUCH more than 90.

I don't suggest trying this at home but I had a 10 day old chick spend the night out alone when it got down to 36 and it fared very well but mine are hardy birds.

 

[Leisa1968]

NC, and they are Banties. White Crested Black Polish, Golden Sebrite, Silver Sebrite, Plymuth Rock Bantam

 

[ChickenCanoe]

OK - I don't have as much experience with bantams and I'm sure they are a bit more delicate but still I suggest you not baby them.

 

[bambi]

Short answer is - ABSOLUTELY
Where are you? What are the breeds?

10 weeks and 20 degrees is perfect. They'll acclimate well at that age/temp

Agree with ChickenCanoe. I think they will be just fine

 

[Bantam Username]

I have bantams and they have been without heat since 5 weeks old and outside without heat since about 7 weeks old. Its getting pretty darn cold at night here.
Birds have feathers to keep them warm, once they are feathered as long as they are protected from drafts etc, they don't need heat at all.

 

[jessicayarno]

They will be just fine..

 

[upthecreek]

I'm probably wrong (and i've been in chickens for over 55 years) but i keep a source of heat with my young birds(during cool/cold weather) till they decide not to want it and (lol) i live in south alabama .

(i may be crazy) but right or wrong i let them have the option

 

[Leisa1968]

Thanks! I feel better now.