Brooding questions

[newchick33]

Hey I've had my chickens for about a month now-, they are starting to get big enough for the coop. I was just wondering if it's safe to wean them off the heat lamp I've been using.

 

[lazy gardener]

Yes. by the time chicks are 2 - 3 weeks old, it's time to start weaning, based on your weather patterns. You start by turning the light off for a few minutes at a time, and increase that time until by the time they are 3 - 4 weeks old, they are fine all day without heat (if in the house). By 4 - 6 weeks they are ready for the coop, depending on temps, feathering, coop set up. You can give them a huddle box or a wool hen to help with the transition (do a topic search for how to info.) Many of us brood our chicks in the coop with a heating pad. It makes the transition so much easier, and they wean themselves from heat.