How long do I need to keep my chicks with a heat lamp at night?

[Kelly G]

They are four weeks old today and they have all thier feathers...Our nights get down to about 78F (that was the lowest over the last four weeks), and I just wondered how long they need the heat lamp at night?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Chirpy]

They should be fine now if they have all their feathers and your nighttime temps are only down to 78 degrees.

Just keep an eye on them when you turn off the lamp and see if they huddle tightly together. If so, they are likely too cold.

 

[Beekissed]

Mine have been outside without their heat lamp since the 2nd week in temps of 50s and 60s. They would huddle together, but rest comfortably all night. We've had cool nights all summer. The chicks have been very hardy!