How long do they need a heat lamp?

[2tostartwith]

Pictures? Could be they are much younger than you were told or they might be sick. They don't need heat once they are mostly feathered in.

They seem small for 9 weeks but I've never had EEs before and heard they can be on the smaller side.

 

[junebuggena]

Still some lingering down on their heads. They are about 6 weeks old. They are hunched up, which is usually a sign of illness. It's not due to them being too cold, especially since they are under a heat lamp. Start treatment for coccidiosis ASAP. It's the most common, and most easily treated, illness.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Agree with junebuggena they're hunched & look fluffed & with the heat lamp on, it's not cold.

 

[2tostartwith]

I took those pictures just after I turned the heat lamp on, Sunday. I'm trying to take pictures tonight but they are really skittish and keep trying to fly out of my make-shift brooder. They aren't hunched up anymore, they're very active. Do you think I should treat them for Cocci just in case? No blood in their stools. Thank you for telling me they are more like 6 weeks. I am really irritated that I was lied to but these 2 are mine now so of course, I'll take care of them the best way I can.

 

[junebuggena]

The good news is that they are both female. You can probably turn the light off, now that they are warmed up. Treating for coccidia won't do any harm. And it's better to be safe than sorry. Start getting them used to outdoor temps with trips out to the coop/run.

 

[lazy gardener]

I took those pictures just after I turned the heat lamp on, Sunday. I'm trying to take pictures tonight but they are really skittish and keep trying to fly out of my make-shift brooder. They aren't hunched up anymore, they're very active. Do you think I should treat them for Cocci just in case? No blood in their stools. Thank you for telling me they are more like 6 weeks. I am really irritated that I was lied to but these 2 are mine now so of course, I'll take care of them the best way I can.

If they are acting fine, not acting sick at all, moving and eating well, IMO, there is no reason to be treating them for an illness. The man who sold those chicks was taking advantage of a Newbie. Those chicks are at best perhaps 5 weeks old. They are old enough to be out from under a heat lamp. Some stated have a law that chicks must be 8 weeks old in order to be sold in groups of less than 6. I have a feeling that is why the man was misleading you. You can give them a plug of sod from an untreated lawn to help them build their immunity. Also, check out fermented feed. That is an other great way of improving the health and immune system of a flock. There's a link at the bottom of my signature.

 

[2tostartwith]

The good news is that they are both female. You can probably turn the light off, now that they are warmed up. Treating for coccidia won't do any harm. And it's better to be safe than sorry. Start getting them used to outdoor temps with trips out to the coop/run.

Thanks so much for your advice!

 

[2tostartwith]

If they are acting fine, not acting sick at all, moving and eating well, IMO, there is no reason to be treating them for an illness.  The man who sold those chicks was taking advantage of a Newbie.  Those chicks are at best perhaps 5 weeks old.  They are old enough to be out from under a heat lamp.  Some stated have a law that chicks must be 8 weeks old in order to be sold in groups of less than 6.  I have a feeling that is why the man was misleading you.  You can give them a plug of sod from an untreated lawn to help them build their immunity.  Also, check out fermented feed.  That is an other great way of improving the health and immune system of a flock.  There's a link at the bottom of my signature.

I've been watching videos online of chicks that are 5-6 weeks old & I believe you & Junebuggena are right. I'm really frustrated that I was taken advantage of but thank you for letting me know why he probably did that. I was aware that was a law. The first chicks I bought over a year ago I'd pre-ordered 8, never knew there was a rule. Thanks so much for your advice!

 

[2tostartwith]

Just thought I'd give a quick update. I started putting these two out with my full-grown hens in a fenced in area and then (while I'm supervising) foraging together for the last week. They were doing great and spent 3 nights in a crate sleeping outside too. So, all was going well, they were active & happy. Until yesterday, when they started puffing up & standing still again. They are still eating and drinking as much as normal. Poop is a little runny but that's all. It did get a little colder & breezy here lately, so maybe they are just cold?? I have brought them back inside & am giving them Corrid just because the runny poop worried me. So, here are my questions... Could they just be chilly? Is there something I'm missing? Also, I'm including a few pictures... I'd love opinions on their age now since the guy I bought them from lied. From other responses, we'd determined maybe 5-6 weeks but that was a month ago. So, would you all agree that they are 9-10 weeks now? They still seem so small. Anyways, thanks for any input you have!

 

[junebuggena]

Probably just a bit chilly, especially if it was cooler than they are used to and it was breezy. But they are feathered in enough to handle it without any cause for concern.