Heat Light Question

[WhoaNellie]

My chicks are 5 weeks old. They haven't made it outside to the coop yet (still need the gate on the run and a door cut in the coop). They currently reside in the dog crate in the basement.
Are they old enough that I can turn their light off?

 

[Ms.FuzzyButts]

Mine are 5 weeks old and have moved outside to the coop in a seperate section from the big chickens. But I still have a light on and they still huddle under it off and on all day and night. So I guess it depends on what the temp is inside your brooder. I would provide a light until they feather out really well. If they need it they will use it. You can usually tell by where they spend the mojority of their time. Either under it or on the opposite end of your brooder.