Do we still need a heat lamp?

[rosemarysugar]

We are about 4 weeks old. Do we still need heat?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Where are they kept? What's the ambient temperature? What are they acclimated to? At 4 weeks I usually shoot for around 70 degrees.

 

[rosemarysugar]

Where are they kept? What's the ambient temperature? What are they acclimated to? At 4 weeks I usually shoot for around 70 degrees.

They are indoors and the ambient temp is usually 65 - 70 where they are at. I've been turning the lamp off a few times throughout the day for an hr maybe. I'd just like them to be able to sleep in the DARK if they can. I feel bad for them, that's one darn bright light!! I'd hate to find then in bad shape the next morning though.

 

[RollTideChicken]

Get a red heat lamp and it won't affect their sleep cycle. Also, I keep mine plugged in to a dimmer switch. Doing that allows for heat adjustment without needing to cut the lamp off.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They are indoors and the ambient temp is usually 65 - 70 where they are at. I've been turning the lamp off a few times throughout the day for an hr maybe. I'd just like them to be able to sleep in the DARK if they can. I feel bad for them, that's one darn bright light!! I'd hate to find then in bad shape the next morning though.

I always use a white light, I haven't seen any bad affects from it. They can eat round the clock if necessary. You may find when you do turn it off they cry because they come to think of that lamp almost like a mom. You can definitely start weaning them off it. Often I will keep it off all day and run it at night. Than I leave it off longer and longer until I just leave it off. Generally it takes about a week to wean them off.

 

[aart]

Also, I keep mine plugged in to a dimmer switch. Doing that allows for heat adjustment without needing to cut the lamp off.

Yes!!! Makes it sooo much easier.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

They should be getting to an age where 70-75 is ok. Depending on breed, feathers, and hardness. You could move to a reptile heat lamp, doesn’t produce light, emits heat in a semi directional area, if they are too hot they can move away from it and if they need warmth they can move towards it. That’s all dependent on how many you have.

 

[rosemarysugar]

Yes!!! Makes it sooo much easier.

That's an awesome idea!!