lights on 24/7 o.k.?

[ricky bamboo]

I got day old cornishX chicks a couple days ago. I'm keeping them in a brooder made of a 150 litre rubbermaid bin with a wire lid. To this I have attached a lamp with a 100watt bulb to raise the temp a bit, which I have kept on constantly. I am wondering if I should give them a break from the light at any point. They seem to have no problem sleeping and are constantly eating and drinking. I'm keeping the brooder in my basement where the temp is about 75 degrees.

 

[PeepsInc]

Mine sleep with the light on. It just might be that every time your down there they know it, & when they see you they think "food". Sometimes old less viable food will cause them to eat more.They tend to poop more too if thats the case.

 

[ricky bamboo]

Thanks for the quick reply.
I think the eating and pooping is of normal rates - I was really just wondering if I should give them any 'dark time'.

 

[PeepsInc]

Mine get 24-7 lighting there entire life. Even in the coop, to prevent predators from entering at night. If you add a plant & aquarium bulb they will get the benefit of vitamin D from it. With out it they can develop leg problems.(Mostly in game birds & pheasant)

 

[ricky bamboo]

thanks - i didn't even think to use a full spectrum bulb. i will pick one up today.

 

[newchickmom09]

I had a 100 watt red flood light on mine 24/7 until they didn't need the temp to be so hot in the brooder. Once they turned 4 weeks old I turned off the light. It stays about 80 degrees in there brooder with out anything on. I will say you can actualy tell now when they ALL fall alseep now since the light is off. They go to bed at actual bed time now once it gets dark. They will be going out to the coop maybe this weekend,

so I think it was a good thing for them to get used to the light changes before going outside. But as little chicks light 24/7 was just fine for mine, and we have no leg problems.

 

[jus1jack]

I wpuld keep the light on as a heat source 24-7 for at least a week or so. How many chick do you have? They need to have enough room to move away from the heat. If you watch them you can tell if they are cold they will be under the light more. After 2 or 3 weeks or so you will see them under the light less and less. They eat like crazy and will grow to harvest size in as little as 11 to 12 weeks. Can you post some pics of your setup?