MerleCalico
In the Brooder
- Nov 19, 2020
- 9
- 10
- 18
Hello, I have silkie chicks that are three and a half weeks old. They are indoors (70-74f) in a big Tupperware with no lid. I have them set up with a Mama Hen Pad; the Sunbeam King size heating pad over a cardboard frame. Every night I shove them all under it and race to turn out the lights, then wait a minute and check to make sure they're still under it. However, I've noticed that during the day lately they huddle together in a corner or on top of the MHP and I rarely see them under it. Granted,I can't observe them all day! I turned it down to medium heat when I noticed this behavior. Questions:
How long do they need the MHP?
When do I stop shoving them (gently) under it and just turn off the lights and trust them to seek warmth if they need it?
When do I turn it down to low?
When do I bring them outside to get them used to our colder weather? Are they like plants where you have to put them outside for an hour each day to trigger hardening off; in their car, winter-worthy feathers?
Thanks for any help! They seem so much more sturdy than two weeks ago but I don't want to cut off their heat too soon.
How long do they need the MHP?
When do I stop shoving them (gently) under it and just turn off the lights and trust them to seek warmth if they need it?
When do I turn it down to low?
When do I bring them outside to get them used to our colder weather? Are they like plants where you have to put them outside for an hour each day to trigger hardening off; in their car, winter-worthy feathers?
Thanks for any help! They seem so much more sturdy than two weeks ago but I don't want to cut off their heat too soon.