Heat lamp, is it necessary?

[Chirps]

So, I live in central Arkansas and it's pretty warm/hot out. Granted that it's been raining almost constantly, but I'm needing assistance on something I've received mixed feedback about.

I have two 7 week old Mille Fleur D'Uccles who are just about ready to move outside permanently once I finish with their coop and run. However, do I need to install and run a heat bulb in their coop this time of year? Do I need to turn it on at night?

I understand they will likely need sufficient heat during the fall/winter months, but winter preparation is another area I know nothing about.

Any assistance would be very appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Judy]

They don't need heat now, and they won't need it in winter, either, unless the needs of that breed are very different from standard large fowl breeds.

 

[Chirps]

I'm totally brand new to raising chickens. These two are the first birds I've ever owned. So I've been learning as I went in order to rescue these two abused Easter presents from some guy. So don't quote me on this, but I believe they are generally small birds. Pullets weighing in at 20 ounces full grown and Cockerels weighing in at around 22 ounces full grown. I also read that they are not hardy birds in cold weather.

 

[Judy]

Wow, that is small. They still may not need additional heat, though, if they have a cozy coop with its ventilation up high, hay to snuggle in, maybe insulation, etc. They're still chickens with down undercoats. It would be good to hook up with other d'uccle owners and discuss it.