Should I change my brooder light?

[RitzHomestead]

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.

 

[familyfarm1]

I just keep it on until I think they have enough feathering and then put them outside. But that's just what I do.

 

[chickengirl1230]

Probably 30 mins would be the longest. At three weeks the coldest they can get would be about 80 degrees Fahrenheit

 

[aart]

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.