Is it warm enough yet?

[hatchies]

I have 5- 6 week old chicks (can't remember anymore

) that spend all day outside and only get put up at night. They have been outside like that for about three weeks. I know that may be a little early but it got to where they outgrew their house indoors and with the nice weather, they have thrived. We have since moved them into the coop as of one week ago but keep a lightbulb lit at night to keep them warm.

One of them is getting picked at and has a bald spot from the others picking at her. I read on BYC that because of the constant light, they may be going stir crazy and be confused between day and no night. Is this true?

Here is my question- the temp tonight is supposed to be 39 and the low 40's the rest of the week. Can I turn the light off and let them experience dark? Will this possible help the picking? Are they fully feathered? Or feathered enough? I'm new to this whole chick thing!

Thank you SO much for your help! I love BYC!!! It has saved me again and again over the last few weeks.

 

[3riverschick]

You might try an external wound dressing product called "Blu-Kote". follow the directions and apply to the wound. The idea is chicks peck at red but not at blue. So turn the wound blue.
http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?PGGUID=30e078c2-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5
Best,
Karen

 

[Dylon]

I wouldn't turn the light off just yet. They might pile up to sleep too close and kill the one one bottom...... the difference between snuggling and dog pile

 

[gamerooster man]

wait till they about 12 weeks old to take them away from the light

 

[gmomfarms]

Switch to a red bulb heat lamp, they will sleep with that and not be aggressive towards each other.

 

[Chickens R Us]

x2