3 chicks at roughly 11-weeks old (one each of silkie, dorking, EE).
My question will be: Are my chicks too cold or are they simply lethargic from the removal of a light source?
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The situation:
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They have been in the back yard for a few weeks.
The "tractor"they're in (moved around once every few days or so) allows a decent amount of air/breeze to get through, but has some covered, wind/water-proof areas.
A couple of days ago I took away their 100-watt red bulb because it's been around 50-55 degrees at the lowest.
Because I'm in the Pacific Northwest, sometimes it can get pretty windy and wet and it has been pretty cloudy/overcast.
As far as I can tell, so far the tractor provides enough cover such that the chicks are not getting wet from the rain.
Ever since I took away their 100-watt bulb, I notice they spend a lot more time simply roosting and huddling.
However, when I touch their feathers, they don't seem particularly cold.
I do know that my Silkie loved to sleep under the bulb such that her feathers were warm whenever I touch her.
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The question:
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1. How likely is it that their decrease in activity is due to
a. Being cold?
b. Having less light than they're used to having?
c. Something else (diseases?)?
d. All of the above?
2. Should I put the 100-watt bulb back on? Should I put on a smaller bulb instead? At what wattage?
3. How much cover should they have? Should it be completely draft-free? (Both the dorking and EE seem to prefer to roost where drafts could get through)
I understand that this may not be enough information, so I apologize ahead of time.
I also thank you for any response/suggestion/comment that you may have!
My question will be: Are my chicks too cold or are they simply lethargic from the removal of a light source?
-------------------
The situation:
-------------------
They have been in the back yard for a few weeks.
The "tractor"they're in (moved around once every few days or so) allows a decent amount of air/breeze to get through, but has some covered, wind/water-proof areas.
A couple of days ago I took away their 100-watt red bulb because it's been around 50-55 degrees at the lowest.
Because I'm in the Pacific Northwest, sometimes it can get pretty windy and wet and it has been pretty cloudy/overcast.
As far as I can tell, so far the tractor provides enough cover such that the chicks are not getting wet from the rain.
Ever since I took away their 100-watt bulb, I notice they spend a lot more time simply roosting and huddling.
However, when I touch their feathers, they don't seem particularly cold.
I do know that my Silkie loved to sleep under the bulb such that her feathers were warm whenever I touch her.
------------------
The question:
------------------
1. How likely is it that their decrease in activity is due to
a. Being cold?
b. Having less light than they're used to having?
c. Something else (diseases?)?
d. All of the above?
2. Should I put the 100-watt bulb back on? Should I put on a smaller bulb instead? At what wattage?
3. How much cover should they have? Should it be completely draft-free? (Both the dorking and EE seem to prefer to roost where drafts could get through)
I understand that this may not be enough information, so I apologize ahead of time.
I also thank you for any response/suggestion/comment that you may have!
