How long do Tuxedos live-how to optimize age

[Green Bean Quail]

Hello all!
After the culling of Hawking (disabled chick) I realized how much I want the best for these little guys. That’s brought me on the topic of lifespan. I’ve seen anywhere from a year and a half on constant light to five years. I have a white light now, I tried red and mine actually got more aggressive! They pecked and fought with each other. It was baffling. In white light they are normal, bouncing babies. Go figure .
but anyways. I have the babies on constant light right now, until they start feathering up with real feathers and I can wean them off light. Then I’m planning to only light about 8 hours a day and leave it off at night, and once summer or spring hits try to move them to a lit room (I keep them inside, in a “quarantine” room right now I’m terrified of disease!). Any other tips for increasing lifespan besides not pushing it on the light aspect once they are able to go without a lamp? Much appreciated!

 

[Nabiki]

I don't think they should have light 24 hours a day. I use one of these so they get heat, but not light.

Oh, for increasing lifespan, I'm sure you'll find someone who knows more since I'm still a newbie, but let them have natural light (short days in the winter) so they don't wear themselves out laying? Proper diet and shelter too, of course.

 

[Green Bean Quail]

I don't think they should have light 24 hours a day. I use one of these so they get heat, but not light.

Sweet! I will try to get one of them. The box they are in is large enough that there is a corner that is completely dim for them to rest in that they will go to at night. Will that work for now? In the meantime, what if I bought a hamster den for them to go inside?

 

[Nabiki]

Sweet! I will try to get one of them. The box they are in is large enough that there is a corner that is completely dim for them to rest in that they will go to at night. Will that work for now? In the meantime, what if I bought a hamster den for them to go inside?

That might help. I'm not sure, though.

 

[Green Bean Quail]

That might help. I'm not sure, though.

I have a old one from my sisters hamsters a few years ago. I will try that. I might also add a small cardboard box because that will absorb heat and still provide darkness. They seem in good health right now. Any tips for how to tell if the light starts to hurt them?

 

[mixedUPturk]

I have a old one from my sisters hamsters a few years ago. I will try that. I might also add a small cardboard box because that will absorb heat and still provide darkness. They seem in good health right now. Any tips for how to tell if the light starts to hurt them?

The usual signs of stress would be the first things. Pacing, plucking ect. We all need a day/night cycle like Ms @Nabiki said.

ETA hello again dear

 

[Green Bean Quail]

The usual signs of stress would be the first things. Pacing, plucking ect. We all need a day/night cycle like Ms @Nabiki said.

I’ll stay on sharp lookout! Thanks so much! I’ll get rolling on making a mini dark room in the brooder for them while I wait for the new bulb . Probably use a small box to make a “roof” around the heated area. Thanks so much guys

 

[mixedUPturk]

Great! As tiny babies i have mine with constant light too. At 1 to 2 wks is usually when i kick em off in a warm climate.

 

[Green Bean Quail]

Perfect! I’ll keep on with light and let em blast off! They are starting to flap and “jump” off the side of their food tray and rolling around with each other so much fun to watch at only four days old!