New to chickens

[slinky62]

Hi all, I'm new to chickens and I have 8 3 week old Cochins and was wondering how long they need a heat lamp for. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks, Ana

 

[hungry]

Also new to chickens but what I've read is that you want to target temperatures of 95 degrees (f) on day one and drop that by about 5 degrees per week (so 90, 85, 80, 75, etc) until they are fully feathered.

The distance from the lamp to the birds is the easiest temperature control, assuming they are in a house with a thermostat. So you would move the lamp a little further away each week.

 

[nova022]

Every one does it differently, but the advice I followed is that you are supposed to reduce the temp by five degrees a week until it is the same as the temp in the room or area you are brooding them or until they are feathered out. Once they are feathered out they are pretty well insulated.

 

[slinky62]

Thank you, that seems to be the consensus.