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Starting w/ 7 week olds..heat?

Discussion in 'Raising Baby Chicks' started by mnhop2, Oct 4, 2013.

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  1. Oct 4, 2013 #1
    mnhop2

    mnhop2 New Egg

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    I'm looking at acquiring some large framed Brahmas, light and Buff, that are approximately 7 weeks old. It been YEARS since I've had chickens and am trying to remember if they will need heat at that age. I'm planning on temporarily housing them in a couple larger rabbit cages until I get their outdoor setup done. The barn is not heated...but in winter will be to about 45-50 degrees. Any advice appreciated!

    Sheri in MN
     
  3. Oct 4, 2013 #2
    Wyandottes7

    Wyandottes7 Overrun With Chickens

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    They should be fine at 7-weeks with no heat. By that time, they should have most of their feathers.
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2013
  5. Oct 4, 2013 #3
    BantamLover21

    BantamLover21 Overrun With Chickens

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    7-week old chicks should be fine with no supplemental heat unless temperatures get down below 50-60 degrees Farenheit. They'll be nice and warm in the winter, even if you don't heat the barn--chickens are very hardy in cold weather as long as they are in a draft free, well-ventilated place (after all, they have their own built-in down blankets!).
     
  7. Oct 4, 2013 #4
    donrae

    donrae Hopelessly Addicted Premium Member

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    They'll be fine. Feathers are a great insulator. Cold doesn't effect them near as much as wind or wet, so as long as they're dry and not drafty you should be good, even down to freezing.
     

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