How long do our chicks need heat?

[seanb]

We live in central PA; every day now is in the 80s or 90s and humid. Our 12 chicks are 4+ weeks old. The brooder is indoors overnight.

Any idea how much longer they'll need the heat lamp? Is there a set age where we can turn it off and leave it off, assuming our temp trend continues?

Also, is there a common age at which they leave the brooder and go to the coop?

Thanks.

 

[colebarnhart]

I think it's 5 deg's per wk, so if they're 4 wks old and it's 80 deg then they should be good to go. You can always tell if they're too hot or cold, they'll stay away from the light if hot or huddle all up under it or togther if cold.

Common age really depends on if you're adding the new chix to an existing flock. You have 12 chix so that is better than 1 or 2, power in numbers even if smaller. But, how many birds do you already have (if any), are they bantams or standard, what are the temperments of the big birds and how many feeders and waterers do you have, how much space will they have, that kind of thing. Which typically around 8 wks when they get feathered up and some size they should be good. However, if they are the only ones you have then cx all the above and your coop could be your brooder also.

 

[jaketheeggman]

They do not need anymore heat lights

 

[seanb]

We don't have any other chickens. These 12 are the first for us.

Thanks for the feedback!