Hi all, At what age do people turn out the brooder light for night? I live in South West Florida, and in order to "lower" the temperature in my brooder by 5* a week, I'd have to put my birds in the fridge! The only reason I am leaving the light on at night now, is so the birds continue their eat, sleep, eat, rearange pecking order, eat, foul water, eat... routine (did I mention eat?). Thanks
That is a great question. My chicks are 6 and 7 weeks old, I switched to a 100 watt light bulb that hangs outside of their little coop. I removed the light today to put over the 20 cornish cross chickens I bought. (they have a 250 watt bulb). Anyway, my older chicks absolutely refused to go into their coop even though it was getting a little chilly and very windy. I had to find another extension cord in the dark and hang the darn light back up for them, they cheerfuly went in after that, but I wonder how long I have to keep the darn thing up. So, good question. Just how long do they need the light on at night?
My chicks in the house had a space heater at night so that i could turn the light off. I wouldnt try it somewhere you couldnt supervise though.
I was wondering the same thing. We leave our's on till we get home from work at night. It's only a 40 watt bulb. Try leaving it on till you go to bed then cut it off when you know they are secure in their coop.