Do I leave the light on all night?

[ky chicks]

I just brought home some chicks from Rural King. I got them set up in their new home, but now I'm wondering if I need to leave the light on all night. I know they need heat, but it seems like they would need it to be dark at night. Someone please respond by tonight! I'm new to this (obviously), so I'll probably be posting new questions all the time! Thank you!

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

Yes, you can leave it on all night, especially at night so they don't get too cold. I leave mine on 24/7.

 

[txchickie]

Yes! Constant heat! Even if that means constant light

 

[hikerchick]

I use a red bulb for heat and the room lights for light. This way they have heat 24-7 but they also get some relief from constant light.

 

[speckledhen]

Yes, mine have light on all night, even a dim one, at least till they are fully feathered and no longer need heat.

 

[lostinoregon]

Should I leave a bright light on during the day for my babies and then provide a dimmer light at night or does it not matter as long as they are warm? Just wondering if, like most animals, they need a dark period during each day?

 

[Blooie]

I have given up on heat lamps and use a heating pad cave. It's working out to be fantastic for chicks learning that night is for sleeping! They are quiet, non-stressed, and they decide if they need to warm up or not instead of having constant heat all around them.

I don't even have them in the house. Love this method.

Edited to add: Here is a link to the thread about Mama Heating Pad, with more information.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update