Critique of my setup for 8 chicks

[vantain]

Attached are some pictures I my setup. Anything I should be concerned about, or any advice is appreciated.

Background:
1. Raising the chicks in the coop with two older (2yr old) hens. I split the coop in two, and penned off an area about 4’x4’. Chicken wire separating the chicks from the older two.
2. Using 10x40 Sweeter Heater for heat source. One end is 4” above bedding, other end is about 5 1/2” above bedding on an open end.
3. Won’t be providing a light source. Only light is from coop windows.
4. Larger fount waterer will be used, so eight chicks can’t knock it over.
5. Trough feeder with enough “stations” for 10 chicks.

The area above the sweeter heater will be roost area when they are old enough to get up there. You can see the 2x4 there. Just underneath that, there is a slotted area for a poop board. I could put that in to help trap a little heat in that area.

Any issues with not providing light at night? with my first flock being brooded, I used the ubiquitous heat lamp, and when checking on them late at night, often found them very active and having a party. Without a light, do they just sleep through the night?

At least this time I shouldn’t have to worry about those darn heat lamps starting any fires.

 

[vantain]

Here are my Wyze cam views, so I can keep tabs I them.

 

[LikeTurkeys]

With regard to the light, I don't think there will be any problem at all. In fact, it will probably help them to stick to a normal schedule and not be eating in the middle of the night or something.

 

[nikolairapunzel]

Yes, without a light they will.sleep all night long! They do not need light at night as long as you have the other heat source. It looks like a great setup to me!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Looks like it should work fine. Only thing I'd check is that the chicks fit correctly under the heat source (not too high, not too low) but you can make any needed adjustments once you have them.

Without light at night the chicks will bed down and go to sleep.