New member

[floral]

Hello from Michigan! I'm a new owner of chickens and ducks. Adopted 3 pekin ducks,2 years old and 2 Rhode Island Red roosters. I have 24 Rhode Island Red chicks and 6 pekin ducklings all are 1 month old. When can I remove the heat lamps from brooding pen? It still gets chilly here at night 30-40 degrees and I don't want eremove them too soon

 

[Poultry parent]

You could remove the heat lamp now, or if you just want to be sure you can remove it at 5 weeks. They'll feather out faster if you remove it now

 

[floral]

I didn't know they would feather out faster! Good to know thank you.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, floral, and

! Pleased you joined our community! I think the standard on removing heat is when the birds are fully feathered. But I know a lot of people remove heat (in warmer climates with not-too-chilly overnight lows) at 3 weeks or sooner. I think a lot depends on the coop set up - is it cozy and draft-free? Nice bedding on the floor? I don't want to steer you wrong but I think 4 weeks and they should be good to go if those conditions are met.
As a new poultry owner you might like to read up own the vast array of articles in the Learning Center here - they will set you well on your way to a successful journey with your flock: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
And here are a couple duck links - for great articles on ducks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/256233/ducks-sticky-topics-index
And for questions about your quackers you can ask here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks
Finally, if you'd like to chat with fellow MI poultry peeps, find your state thread here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread
Best wishes to you and your flock and thanks for joining BYC!

 

[floral]

Yes pen is draft free and chicks have about 80-85 % of feathers and ducklings are getting some feathers in on wings and tails. I will check out the articles on them thank you

 

[floral]

Forgot to say that I'm putting cedar shavings down for bedding. Was thinking of putting straw down too

 

[redsoxs]

Forgot to say that I'm putting cedar shavings down for bedding. Was thinking of putting straw down too

Cedar is said to be toxic to chickens - pine is recommended.

 

[floral]

Omg I'm kinda brain dead today lol. It's cedar shavings not pine

 

[floral]

Not cedar pine ugh! Not thinking straight lol

 

[drumstick diva]

don't feel badly, my brain is always on vacation. Too little sleep and not enough ice cream (for sure).