Temp issue

[echlfan]

Chicks are 8 weeks & in a draft free coop, with pretty decent ventilation. The lowest it gets is in the 40's this week. The 250 watt red bulb just went out. Will they be OK, or should I run get a new one tonight?

 

[JessaLynn]

They should be just fine if there well feathered out (should be by now) They will huddle together to stay warm.

 

[fivestring]

A white bulb would be ok for an emergency until you can replace the heat lamp. I know they say it promotes pecking but I use one in my brooder a lot.

 

[JenMT]

I assume that they are pretty much feathered out by now so they should be fine, one day won't hurt them anyway. If it were me though, I would go and get some type of a light because I like to gradually work them into the cold and darkness of night, but that is not expert advise....I'm a newbie, could you just place a regular bulb in for tonite?

 

[gritsar]

They should be fine. Have you been turning the light off some during the day to acclimate them to outside temps?
Eight weeks is plenty old enough to be off their heat lamp.

 

[echlfan]

It has been off most the day. It was 75 today.

 

[gritsar]

My bet is that they do just fine. You'll probably have a sleepless night though.
If it will make you feel better and you have it available, you could add a little extra bedding for them to snuggle in.
My chicks were without their light from 5 1/2 weeks on and it was still getting in the 40s at night.