Heat lamp after brooding?

[SamJB]

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?

 

[gritsar]

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.

 

[donrae]

What she said

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.