Does a 4 week old gosling need a heating lamp?

[starrymutt]

My 4 week old gosling hasn't had a heating lamp for about a week since the temps were so high and she's getting pin feathers. Our temps reach about 60-50 at night but she's still indoors.

She seems fine without it? But I'm worried she might be getting cold. I tried a lamp tonight but she's tall enough now that she can reach it on the edge of her box and I heard her squeak like she got hurt, so it's off now.

She's all alone since the new hatchlings are only a couple days old but she prefers my company anyways, I just can't be with her 24/7. She has toys she cuddles with and one of my old hats but still cries.

 

[sourland]

I'd provide a mirror for company, and no it does not need a heat lamp.

 

[JRies]

Basic rule for goslings first few days 90 degrees then drop the temp by 10 degrees for every week. so a 4 week old should be able to handle 50 with no problem. There down gets thicker as they grow then coming into feather helps. My 5 week olds are doing fine with 40 degree nights. I do give a heat lamp they can use at night when I move them to the barn at 2 weeks. Sometimes they use it. But by the time there 4 weeks they are sleeping on the other side of there pen.