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Heat lamp after brooding?

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by SamJB, Jun 21, 2011.

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  1. Jun 21, 2011 #1
    SamJB

    SamJB Out Of The Brooder

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    I have a 5x7 coop, and I'm only getting 3 or 4 chickens. I talked to my friend and he said if you have that big of a coop with only 4 chickens you'll need a heat lamp. But i've heard that it can be dangerous with grown chicks?
     
  3. Jun 21, 2011 #2
    gritsar

    gritsar Cows, Chooks & Impys - OH MY!

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    Where do you live?

    IMHO, unless you have really delicate breeds (like seramas), a heat lamp for adult chickens is more of a disservice than a kindness. Kept in a draft-free coop chickens can do just fine at some pretty cold temps. Keeping a heat lamp on them prevents them from acclimating naturally to their enviroment. Not acclimated and the power goes out, you'll have some chickens that are ill-equipped to deal with the cold. They can get chilled and chilled chickens frequently turn into sick chickens.

    Again, JMHO.
     
  5. Jun 21, 2011 #3
    donrae

    donrae Hopelessly Addicted Premium Member

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    What she said [​IMG] It'n now warm enough (in North America, anyway) that feathered chicks don't need a lamp, and by the time it gets cold they'll just get used to it as it gradually gets colder. Heat lamps cause all sorts of problems, not the least of which is the risk of burning your coop down and killing all your hens. Unless you live in a very extreme climate, you're good.
     

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