Lights on or off?

[OHMYCHICKIES]

The temperature is going down into the low 30s and my youngest is 10 1/2 weeks. I've put on a 100W red light in the coop and now I've been seeing them move around, eating, etc. when it's time for them to roost. Before the light they would all get up and roost before dark. Is that a problem? Should I have a light? The coop is not insulated as of yet.

 

[Dar]

I have a red heat lamp too and mine roost just fine and I am getting a lot of eggs....

 

[s6bee]

At 10 1/2 wks, they should be fully feathered and really don't need anything extra as a chick would. They should be fine. Depending on your coop, you'd be surprised how warm the coop stays from the body heat. I would put a thermometer inside for them to give you a reading. A heat lamp probably doesn't need to be used till it's below 32 degrees. What breed of chickens do you have? Are they colder climate birds? If so they should be fine right now.

 

[wynedot55]

personally id turn the red heat light off.being that old they can take the cold.

 

[Jenski]

When it gets very cold here I use a ceramic heat lamp ~ it gives off heat but no light, and they are quite safe. You're welcome to check out my info here:

http://theworldofjenotopia.com/cmsjoomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=27

 

[OHMYCHICKIES]

I have winter hardy bird. Barred Rock, Buff Orps, Light Brahmas. I guess I'm just being a little cautious. I did check the temp in there and it was the same as outside. There are alot of holes that needs to be sealed and that is probably why it doesn't keep the heat in.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Seal the drafts so they don't end up sick and leave the light off. If you provide heat for them at that high of a temp they become used to having it and if the power goes out they really suffer. Plus, giving added heat at that warm of a temp makes for a weaker bird. Some don't add any heat at all and others, like me, wait until the single digits (in the coop) before adding any. They make a heating pan or you can make one (search on here) for their waterer to sit on to keep it thawed.

 

[kinnip]

I you can work something out without the light, it might be easier. I made the mistake of allowing mine a light out there. Now, if the light goes off, they pitch a fit. It's like having thirty 2 year olds who are afraid of the dark.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Hmmm, mine don't throw a fit when the light goes out. They just wait for me to change it. I guess each flock would be different though.

 

[OHMYCHICKIES]

kinnip, LOL I like that. I might just do that. At night everything echoes here and that is the last thing I need.

Farmer Kitty, I'm hoping to seal up those holes soon. One thing is that we are surrounded by trees and there is no draft through the holes but I guess it just takes some real windy nights and bam, a chicken cold. Hopefully soon, I'll get some insulation also.