Heat lamp, when do my chicks not need this?

[Swirls76]

Everyone,

Currently, I have 9 8-9 week only chicks that are fully feathered except for my two Rhode Island Reds. Both are almost there, but still have a little fuzz under their beaks. They have been outside in their coop/enclosure for about two weeks now. At night, I lock them in their coop with a heat lamp. At what point do I not need to provide them with this heat source? We live in CA, so most of the time our nights aren't extremely cold. I have attached a picture of their coop/enclosure.

Any advice would be fantastic.

Also, I might have some questions about determining whether I have pullets or cockerels. Would anyone be able to help me?

Thanks

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC!

Oh my...at that age they should not have the heat lamp.
Those two "slow to feather" ones are probably behind because of too much heat for too long.

Post pics of the ones you are "wondering" about here:
What Breed Or Gender is This?

 

[Swirls76]

The coop is large enough for the chicks to stay away from the heat source. I only have it on at night, but I will make sure to remove it moving forward.

Thank you!

 

[Kiki]

I think I owe you an apology...
I just re read my first comment and it may sound rude.
I was in no way meaning for it to come out that way.
I was just shocked when I read their age.

I should have said:
Chicks this age do not need added heat. You may turn it off now.
Please forgive me.

 

[Swirls76]

I think I owe you an apology...
I just re read my first comment and it may sound rude.
I was in no way meaning for it to come out that way.
I was just shocked when I read their age.

I should have said:
Chicks this age do not need added heat. You may turn it off now.
Please forgive me.

It's all good. Our Rhode Island Reds are a week younger.

Thank you for the help!

 

[FreedomFarmVT]

Very nice enclosure.

 

[vachick15]

They should be fine without the heat lamp at this age,

 

[Swirls76]

Very nice enclosure.

Thank you! The chicks like it as well.

 

[drumstick diva]

When you post photos at "what breed or gender is this." Please say what age they are in the photos.

 

[Swirls76]

They are 8-9 weeks. I mentioned that in my first post.