Should I need a heat lamp

[bantamweight21]

I got my other new chicks 21 of them 10 barred rock and 11 Rhode Island Red bantams. They are already one week old and it gets in the mid 80s in alabama. The temp drops close to the 50s but mainly in the 60s at night. I know they are fine without a light during the day but I wish I could save on the power bill. Could they possibly go without the light at night without any of them dying?

 

[Clackclack]

Not sure I would risk having my chicks die or suffer to save a few bucks on electricity... I have used a heating blanket under the box in the past and that has worked fine.

 

[SobbaChickens]

I wouldn't risk it personally, if you save a few bucks by not turning on the lamp for 6-8hrs and then have chicks die you really won't be saving money at all.


Good luck!
Katie

 

[Annie44]

You definitely need a heat lamp--chicks at one week old should have at least one place in the brooder reaching 90* F. I've heard the rule of thumb is in the first week, 95*, then you can subtract 5* every week.

Hope all goes well!

 

[bantamweight21]

I can turn the light of if I gets 80 and the chicks can share body heat during the day though right?

 

[Fred's Hens]

If the ambient air is 80- 85? During the day? They'd be just fine. But how long does it take to get to that? Noon? You'd likely want some supplemental warmth at night. 50F is too cool at night and the risk is smothering. It is a genuine risk. They're too young to work their way free from the pile.

I'd suggest a lower wattage bulb. Something akin to a 150 watt. That will create plenty of heat for them. The typical 250 bulbs they sell at the rural stores is simply too hot for your late spring temperatures.

Save the electric bill by putting that bulb on a timer. Have it click off at noon and back on by 7 pm. Make sure, really sure your brooder is large enough for them self adjust. If they are too hot, they'll need a place to go to stay out of the bulb's heat.

 

[Clackclack]

If you are not willing to spend the minimal money to keep one-week old animals at the correct temperature, maybe this isn't the right endeavour for you?

 

[Mitchell Farm]

They need the ljght at night until about 6 weeks old and feathered. Keep the light!