Feather faster if I take away heat sooner?

[matimeo]

I searched for this in the forums, but didn't find much, so I'll post the question. If I keep my chicks in a cooler environment (not too cool, but on the cooler side for their age), will they feather faster? It makes sense logically, but anybody have any experience, or data to show this? I've had my heat lamp pretty much in the same spot for the last few weeks, showing it about 90 degrees directly under the lamp. Chicks are all between three and five weeks. They still were laying down directly under the light and didn't seem too warm. I raised it about 18 inches and they still seem ok. I'm wondering if it will speed up feathers, cause I want them out of the laundry room.

As always, thanks!

 

[Matt A NC]

When I start taking chicks outside they do seem to start feathering out faster. I have had brooder chicks that took forever to feather when it was too cold for them to go out. Those that do get to go out also seem to grow faster and put on some extra weight.

Matt

 

[Katy]

I think it does. I've never kept my brooder temps as warm as some people recommend.

 

[Mahonri]

I don't really think it makes much difference... but I'm in AZ and it's almost always hot.

 

[woodmort]

The short answer is "yes". I've noticed that the chicks raised the natural way--by a hen--feather and mature faster than those coddled under a heat lamp. When we brood them we tend to keep them warmer, longer than they need to be.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I agree. I brood chicks outside and they are all pretty much feathered out by 4 weeks or so.

 

[FarmGirl01]

Gotta agree on the others. Mine are always on the cool end. They do great.

 

[Broodica]

My 4 chicks are only 9 days old, but I have only taken them outside once when we had ONE day where it finally made it over 70F! Last few days it's barely made it to 60F and it's raining on and off. I hate the thought that they aren't able to enjoy the outside. I was figuring on some nice weather before it got like this.

One managed to get out yesterday...those little wings are feathering out fast! Heard someone peeping lamentably and found her standing next to the brooder.

I am guessing it's too cold to take them out?

 

[Uzuri]

I brood inside, but try to keep my temps down a bit from recommended (because I'd rather have cuddling chicks than panting dehydrated ones), and I see the same thing -- pretty much full feathering at 4 weeks.

 

[matimeo]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. My five week old still doesn't have a ton of feathers, so maybe I've kept it too warm. I'll think I'll dramatically drop the temps and just keep an eye on them to make sure they aren't getting too cold.