Question about removing the heat lamp

[cupman]

I just received 8 new baby chicks today. 6 weeks ago I got 7 chicks. Well, I only have one heat light and it has been mostly on over the 6 week olds. At 6 week it's safe to take the heat lamp away right? The reason I ask is because I want to use my lamp for the new chicks and I don't want to have to go out and buy a second light. The chicks are in the garage so it's protected from wind and rain and it's a little warmer than the outside.

 

[SteveBaz]

Yep by 6 weeks they should be fully feathered. Week 1 85* week 2 80* week 3 75* week 4 70* and after that they would not really need the heat except at night under 70*. I personally think the older chicks will be ok w/o the heat. Are they going outside? You said in the garage so that will be fine. Just give them a box close to the light and that will be just fine w/o the heat. Good luck and enjoy the new kids.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Week six is transition week. During week six, it is normal to wean them off the heat, altogether. You've lowered the wattage and/or raised the lamp each week. By week 5, they should really be only getting some supplemental heat and during week 6, almost nothing during the say, and only a little assistance at night.

I suspect that your garage will be just fine for your 6 week olds, if, if they've been getting the proper acclimation all along. It's tough to go from been over-spoiled at 80 degree temps and suddenly thrust into 50 degree temps.