My girls are 8 weeks old today, and have been out in the coop/run for a month. I still have a heat lamp on a night, and my chicken expert friend says it's no longer necessary. I believe her, but I am so nervous! Someone hold my hand and tell me the chicks will be ok without it. (I'm in NYS, btw, not sure that matters.)
If you are worried about the sudden "shock" of one day having a heat lamp and then not having one, switch to a lower watt bulb. For example, if you are using a 100 watt, go to a 40 watt. Then, turn the light off at night. This will get them accustomed to the day and night cycles and wean them off the light.
That's a good idea, about gradual progression. The bulb in there is 250, so there's certainly a lesser one to put in! Though yes, Blondie, I know the lamp is not necessary. I'm just crazy. At least I can admit it.
They will definitely be ok without it. I went out to check on my chicks last week, I had 3 week olds in with 5 week olds. Noticed that half of the 3 week olds were missing feathers from their lower backs and wings feathers near the middle of their backs. I knew it had to be one of the 5 week olds, so I gathered all 5 of them up and tossed them in with the little bit older juvies. No heat lamp in there and they have been fine.
I use a regular low watt light bulb for a few days after removing heat, this way it's gradule and works good for me.
