Heat lamp duration for pullets.....

[gltrap54]

New Years Eve & I'm sitting here wondering when I should remove the heat lamp from my 8 week old red Sex Link pullets that are caged in my heated shop that I keep 55-60F.... I typically buy pullets in the spring but made an exception with these 6 pullets... They were hatched 10/1/18... Since they are fully feathered, I'm reasonable sure I can remove the heat lamp, although they don't show an sign of being too hot with it on...

Also.... given NE Kansas winters, how soon can they be moved in with my older (2&3 year) sex links & Buff Orps? The older girls live in their $2K (yes, thousand) Taj Mahal, insulated, w/heat lamp....

 

[ChickNanny13]

You can gradually decrease the heat, by 8wks/fully feathered they could be off heat. It's always been recommended to intergrate the pullets with the "See but not touch" method. Adding the pullets to the coop but separated in a wire cage of sectioned off part of the coop. Where the flock can see them but the pullets are safe from the flock. You'll need to use your judgement as to when it would be safe to allow them to mingle. And when you do, ensure there are safe hiding areas that the pullets can get away from the older ones if they need to.

There's several threads in the forum pertaining to integrating, everyone has their own methods and opinions. I limited (4 - 6) to the amount I can have so it's easier for me to switch out every year ... Works for me since I make my Grandma Trips during the summer months; sell around April, clean out & sanitize, restart around Aug - Oct.

 

[gltrap54]

Thanks so much ChicNanny13! I figure if I take the heat lamp off now, they should be fine in my heated shop...
My older hens are pretty docile but introducing new pullets can be tricky at best...

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would definitely wean them off heat now, especially since you have them in a climate controlled area right now. They're old enough to go out, once you get them off heat.

 

[chickens really]

Turn it off..They will be fine in your shop.

 

[aart]

although they don't show an sign of being too hot with it on

Can the get away from it?