should I use heat lamp tonight?

[jdoane]

My chicks (5weeks) havs been without the heat lamp fof about half the week. Their brooder is in my uninsulated garage. We've had cool nights. Tonight we are expecting a low of 40 (it may stay a few degrees warmer in the garage). I can't decide whether to turn the heat lamp back on. What do you think? Chicks are pretty well feathered but not completely.

 

[Fred's Hens]

If they are 4 weeks, put a little heat on them tonight, from midnight to 8 am. 5 weeks is that notoriously inbetween stage.

If they are 6 weeks, they'll be just fine. It won't get nearly as cold inside a building, even an uninsulated one, as it will outside. There just isn't time for the cold to penetrate.

I find after 4 weeks of age, the bulb can be much, much lower wattage and take the edge off just fine.

 

[JennyGood]

I would. If I do the temperature requirement math right at the 5 degree per week recommendation, they still need around 70-75 degrees. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I would. If I do the temperature requirement math right at the 5 degree per week recommendation, they still need around 70-75 degrees. Better safe than sorry.

That's a good guideline. It is a very conservative guideline which is good for beginners who need to start somewhere. We never actually follow it in real life. It is all too, too hot. But again, a good starting guideline.

 

[jdoane]

If they are 4 weeks, put a little heat on them tonight, from midnight to 8 am.   5 weeks is that notoriously inbetween stage.

If they are 6 weeks, they'll be just fine.  It won't get nearly as cold inside a building, even an uninsulated one, as it will outside.  There just isn't time for the cold to penetrate.

I find after 4 weeks of age, the bulb can be much, much lower wattage and take the edge off just fine.  

Thanks! Will do! I was sort of feeling that 5 weeks was this weird age. Glad it wasn't just me!