Night light for week old chicks

[ackchicken]

Hello! I have been using a 250 watt heat lamp for my week old chicks. I want to switch to a Titan Incubators 12" X 12" Brooder Hen/Electric Mama Hen Low 20w Chick Heat Plate. Will they be stressed in the dark without a light? I know in nature they wouldn't have that light, but want to double check. I am also wondering if the heat plate will provide enough warmth beyond the plate itself. I currently have them in my basement which is around 60 degrees F. Thank you.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My chicks always pitch a short fit when I turn off the ambient light for the evening. But they quickly settle down and sleep through the night.

Nor sure if your heat plate will be warm enough... check at the coldest part of the evening if they are quite and sleeping, it's good. If the are loud peeping and piling.. they might be too cool.

They don't need warmth beyond the plate, just like with hens.. they warm up underneath... and access regular environments until they need to pop back under mum to warm again.

It should be a fantastic switch, IMO!

Good luck.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They will probably initially show some distress with loud chirping, because they're not used to not having a light, but they'll eventually get used to it and settle down. Ideally you could gradually reduce the light in the room with a dimmer, which feels more natural than simply switching off the light.