Do chicks need a light

[jimz1]

I'm jumping the gun a bit, but the warm weather(shoulg get up to 55 today) got me thinking. When summer gets here and the weather is hot, do I need to have a light for the chickens?

 

[ARose4Heaven]

They need an area that is at least 90 degrees the first week. If the weather is that warm both day and night, then probably not. I would recommend having a light handy for nighttime when temps could drop. Just observe the chicks to make sure they aren't piling up for warmth.

Just noticed you said, "chickens". A light is for heat for baby chicks, and each week of life, drop the temps by 5 - 10 degrees. Adult chickens rarely need a light for heat.

 

[Fred's Hens]

It isn't precisely about winter versus summer. It is about the age of the chick. At six weeks, the chick is a young adult, has fully feathered out and quite able to be without heat. However, the wise owner begins the process at 4 weeks. Lowering the temps to the mid 70's. During week 5, lower the temps to the mid 60s at night.

This enables a step down period of adjustment.