I am currently using the heating red bulb for my 3 week old chicks and it has been working great they are comfortable and sleep just on the outside ring of the light. I was wondering though, when should I start to integrate them to get used to the dark. They are in a heated basement that stays around 70 degrees maybe a little cooler but not much, should I turn off their light for a few hours in the evening? Just feel as though they should get a break from that light constantly being on. I am new to all this so this may be a dumb question lol.
I just keep it on until I think they have enough feathering and then put them outside. But that's just what I do.
Probably 30 mins would be the longest. At three weeks the coldest they can get would be about 80 degrees Fahrenheit
It is nice to start them on a day night cycle after the first few days....... ......but you have to find a different source of heat, because they do need the heat 24/7 for 4-5 weeks at least. Other options are the brooder plates or ceramic heating elements used for reptiles. I DIY'd a brooder plate out of a heating pad that worked pretty good.