Brooder light timing?

[stretchc1]

First "flock"; day 1.

The 4 chicks seem to be moving around all over the brooder, eating and drinking fine. The brooder is in the basement, so there is no natural light. I have a red brooder lamp. Should I keep the regular basement light on to simulate daylight and then just leave the red lamp on at night? Or, should it just be red lamp 24/7?

Thanks!

 

[SpringChickens]

hmmm... I left my red light on 24-7, but my brooder was in a room with windows. I would probably be inclined to say to just leave the red light on unless you're down there watching. The red light makes enough light that they don't develop a sleep/wake cycle until you get them out from under there.

 

[California Ducken]

I would leave it on 24/7. It also provides warmth. Depending on the age of your chicks, they need to be kept at a certain temp.

They sleep when they are tired, so don't worry about them not getting sleep.
When they start out into the big world outside, they will develop their sleep cycle routine.
Lots of Luck with your chickies!