heat lamp on with mommy & chicks?

[branston]

After Big Mama hatched her chicks I decided to put a heat lamp on the brooder. The brooder is a large dog crate and the nest box she's in with the chicks is a cat box that I've attached to the crate, so they have a run area to come out to. I thought the heat lamp would help Big Mama keep the babies warm and I have left it on for the last 3 days 24/7. It's on the opposite end of the dog crate. Now I'm wondering if that's the right thing to do for Big Mama? Does she need dark time?

 

[CrazyCatNChickenLady]

Big mama runs at about 107* and she can produce enough heat to keep the babies warm enough. I would remove the light.

 

[SteveBaz]

Where do you live? Feathered chicks with mommy can stand plenty of cold. I did not say wind or draft but cold. Try and keep them out of a drafty direction. I’m in Oregon and we have rain today but yesterday was 85* and was 60's into the night. My girls won’t even need a light or momma. If using the heater make sure they can get out and away from the heat too.

Steve

 

[Terri O]

NO supplemental heat necessary...I have had hens with babies in the dead of winter (dumb hens) that keep the babies nice and toasty even when it's below zero. That is the beauty of using a broody hen...no extra costs for heat. Good luck with your little family! Terri O

 

[featherz]

I just had babies under mama when it was about 35F outside. They were fine. Mama is plenty warm! No need for a light.

 

[branston]

Thanks so much everyone! I truly appreciate everyone's advice and info