Mother chicken killed - do I need a heat lamp for my chicks?

[madlaina]

We had a clutch of 5 chicks, hatched by a hen and living in the yard with their mum. Chicks are just over 4 weeks old. This afternoon mum and 2 chicks were killed in a dog attack, 3 chicks survived. Our daytime temperatures are currently 17-22 degrees (62-72 Fahrenheit), with nighttime minimums of 12-15 degrees (53-59 Fahrenheit).
We don’t have a heat lamp as the chicks have always been with their mum. I am planning on bringing them inside overnight and setting them up in front of the heater, but putting them outside during the day. Will that be enough or do I need to try and get my hands on a heat lamp? Also, at what age should they be large enough to go outside overnight on their own?
I’ve never had to do this before, so am a bit lost and would appreciate any advice.

 

[cavemanrich]

At 4 weeks old, they are just about feathered out. If you feel comfortable bringing then inside for the night, a week or so may be all that would be necessary. After one week, I think it would be OK to let them be overnight in coop. Do let them out during the day currently, since your temps are still mild. Have good bedding inside coop for them to lay in and possibly snuggle together. They will do it naturally. Make sure that they are fed before night-time, with full crop.
to hear of the loss,,,,
Hold off on your heat-lamp, I don't think it is necessary.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[madlaina]

This is my temporary night time setup - dog crate with covered cat litter box inside, thick layer of wood shavings to nest in, set up in front of the heater. Wish me luck.

 

[RoosterML]

Do you have a heating pad? If so you can use that for your heat source. Slip in under shavings.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Honestly with your temperatures they should be fine as is. I would've already removed all heat sources by that point anyhow.

Adding heat now is just going to make you need to reacclimate them to being outdoors.

 

[madlaina]

Honestly with your temperatures they should be fine as is. I would've already removed all heat sources by that point anyhow.

Adding heat now is just going to make you need to reacclimate them to being outdoors.

You’re probably right and I’m overreacting. It’s just that until now there were 5 of them, and they were obviously all snuggling under mum’s wings of a night. Now all of a sudden there’s only 3 and no mum. I just don’t want to lose any more.

 

[rosemarythyme]

You’re probably right and I’m overreacting. It’s just that until now there were 5 of them, and they were obviously all snuggling under mum’s wings of a night. Now all of a sudden there’s only 3 and no mum. I just don’t want to lose any more.

Nothing wrong with trying to give them better care for your own peace of mind, but if you do decide to put them on heat, just make sure to ease them back off of it once you're ready to put them out.

Also not sure on the circumstances of your dog attack, but hopefully you can also use this time to put a plan in place to try and prevent it from happening again, whether it's talking to the dog's owner or some fencing, etc.