Is it time to get rid of the heat lamp?

[Jbum]

My flock of 6 chicks 2 Turks and 2 ducks are all about a month old. All starting to get their feathers and all seemingly very healthy. (I’m no Vet but I did stay at a Holiday inn). We are getting a cold snap here in Mid Michigan so I do still have the lamp on them. How my set up is it gets about 70 degrees where the lamp is but of course they can roam a bit if it gets to warm. They are in my garage so it does get a bit chilly at night. The weather is semi breaking this week and I’m thinking by this weekend I should be able to ween them from the light?

Thoughts and inputs on this would be very helpful!

Thanks Jbum!

 

[flowerfaeiry]

At 4 weeks old, I would at least give them the heat lamp at night until after the cold spell, especially if it's getting in the 40's or below. After 6 weeks, they shouldn't need any supplemental heat at all.

 

[Roo5]

When I ween them off usually start by turning it off during the day for about a week but leaving it on at night.During this process for a week they usually get pretty use to not having one.Their at the age where their bodies are fully feathered, or close, and there are enough beds that they can huddle together if they get chilly.

 

[Jbum]

When I ween them off usually start by turning it off during the day for about a week but leaving it on at night.During this process for a week they usually get pretty use to not having one.Their at the age where their bodies are fully feathered, or close, and there are enough beds that they can huddle together if they get chilly.

So this week I’ll just leave it cause it’s still gonna be fairly chilly and rainy. Next week I’ll ween like you mentioned and if Mother Nature cooperates I’ll move them to “Lady luck hotel” so they can start enjoying and settle into their new home!

Thanks!
Jbum

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

That should work. Mine are about the same age as yours and I removed their brooder plate over a week ago. They're in my sunroom which right now is 60F, however it gets a bit cooler at night and they haven't complained. I plan on moving them out to the big coop this Wednesday. The temperature inside the coop averages 15 - 20 degrees warmer than the outside temps, so I'm sure they will be fine. Good luck with yours.

 

[Jbum]

That should work. Mine are about the same age as yours and I removed their brooder plate over a week ago. They're in my sunroom which right now is 60F, however it gets a bit cooler at night and they haven't complained. I plan on moving them out to the big coop this Wednesday. The temperature inside the coop averages 15 - 20 degrees warmer than the outside temps, so I'm sure they will be fine. Good luck with yours.

I’m gonna pick up another thermometer today and put out in the coop so I can monitor the temp out there as well.

Thanks!

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I’m gonna pick up another thermometer today and put out in the coop so I can monitor the temp out there as well.

Thanks!

It is helpful to have a thermometer in the coop. I have a large one that hangs onto the wall.

 

[Jbum]

It is helpful to have a thermometer in the coop. I have a large one that hangs onto the wall.

That’s my intention. I have a little bit more work to do to it as well.

 

[Roo5]

Sounds good give sthem an extra week to grow even

So this week I’ll just leave it cause it’s still gonna be fairly chilly and rainy. Next week I’ll ween like you mentioned and if Mother Nature cooperates I’ll move them to “Lady luck hotel” so they can start enjoying and settle into their new home!

Thanks!
Jbum

more feathers and be even more prepared

 

[hispoptart]

I'm going to start weaning mine off this week also. Mine are outside already but it was to cold not to have the heat lamp on them. It's hard to explain but I have a prefab coop ( I know they suck) But the lamp would not fit in the upper roasting level, so they are in the lower level which has an open air area and then an area that goes under the upper that is mostly enclosed except the doorway. Last night I peeked in on them and they were all laying closest to the doorway. This morning they were all out and about in the open air area. The temp was about 42F this morning, not sure about the temp last night. They are about 6 weeks now. So today the lamp will go off during the day and I will turn it on low tonight. I'll do that for a few days and then I think it will be time to move them up stairs. Good luck with yours. It can be tough worrying all the time whether or not they are cold. I know