Do they really need a heat lamp?

[AmyRey]

It appears that (unfortunately) we might have to go with week old chicks for our flock. I'd wanted hens who were laying or really close to laying, but those seem to be somewhat hard to come by around here.

Anyhow, I've tracked down some chicks and the fellow (very nice guy) agreed to take back any that turned out to be roosters. I figure I can't beat that deal.

So... here's my chick question.

Do I really need a heat lamp or will they be fine outside in their chicken tractor?

We're in Georgia and currently it's literally 100 degrees during the day. Lows won't dip below 70 for the next week and a half.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

The temps are running about the same here. I kept some new hatchlings under a heat lamp for the first couple of nights, then cut it off. It is warm enough outside for them this time of the year, but just make sure to protect them from the rain and make sure they have plenty of water.

My 2 week old chicks were panting yesterday afternoon. Weird, huh?

 

[RendonRoo]

I agree. They will probably be fine as long as they aren't in a draft at night. They will bunch up at night and keep each other warm. Good Luck

 

[FlashPointFarm]

How cold does it get at night where you are at? Until your chics are feathered out, you may want to give them a source of heat. Keep an eye on them. If they get lethargic and inactive, they are probably cold. I'd hate to see you lose them from not keeping them warm enough.

A good rule of thumb is, they hatch at 99 degrees, and can have the heat lowered 5 degrees per week.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

I took mine off a heat lamp weeks ago. It is high 90s and in the 100s here. They are just fine and seem more hot than cold. Even at night they are just fine.

 

[georgialee]

I would say no, but I would have one just in case the low dips at night. I have a batch of chicks right now 1-3 weeks old and they HATE the heat lamp. I took it off of them the first day I had them home (they're inside, too) and they're fine.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

I rarely use a thermometer around my chicks, I watch their behavior to see if they act too hot or too cold. And here in SE Florida I often keep chicks outdoors in a tractor rather than inside a brooder box.

However, I always bring them in at night until they've feathered out completely and have some size to them. I keep them in a box or rabbit cage on the patio, and put a desk lamp nearby if they want the warmth. Little chicks are so vulnerable, and a tempting treat to so many predators like snakes & opossums, animals that might not bother bigger chicks. If you've got a problem with bigger predators like raccoons or coyotes, you'll want to keep them in an even safer place at night.

 

[notapandabear13]

Im in mich and my chicks are in the garage. They have been there since day 3 and have been without a heat lamp the entire time. temps are low of 65 and high of 90. The have been fine. if they huddle, i add a towel or blanket for a little warmth at night but they generally dont need it.
No lamp nessecary. gl!

 

[AmyRey]

Wow! Thanks all!

I knew it seemed a bit illogical to have a heat lamp when it's 100 degrees outside.

Okay - next chick question...

If I get these week old chicks, when will I be able to tell the girls from the boys and when should I look for the girls to start laying?

I've read that chickens start laying ~5 months, but that'll put me right into the darkest part of the year (Nov/Dec). Will they just wait until spring? Will I have to provide them with artificial light?

 

[RendonRoo]

You probably won't be able to tell sex until about 3 months. Mine just started this week at 4 1/2 months. At least one of them has started. I have read that chicks that hatch late may not lay until spring. All this depends on many factors. Breed, weather, feed, etc. Good Luck and i hope this helps.