Turning heat lamp off for chicks

[rmbwicz]

I would be worried that they ran out water or filled it up with wood chips. We have to change water and add feed twice a day. Also how big of an area are they in, if you have many they will be in pretty dirty conditions within 3 days.

 

[rmbwicz]

I only have 2 and there in this

 

[rmbwicz]

I only have 2 and there in this

My water is sitting on a pan, so far they aren’t scratching hard enough to toss shavings into it.

 

[imnukensc]

I'd be more worried about them running out of food and water or knocking their waterer over, etc. From what I can tell in the pic, that looks like a normal quart sized waterer and I know my four chicks went through several quarts of water in a week. I think they'd be fine without the lamp with the house temp set on 72.

 

[sylviethecochin]

I think it's important to know what the temp under the lamp is and what temp difference they'll be undergoing. 72 wouldn't kill chicks adjusted to it. I just doubt that those ones are.

Nice waterer-in-the-pan, idea, btw.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

My water is sitting on a pan, so far they aren’t scratching hard enough to toss shavings into it.

It would good if you can have a family member or neighbor check on them daily to re-fill water and food if you are going to be gone.

This way you have someone checking on health of the chicks and your heat lamp as well.

 

[rmbwicz]

It would good if you can have a family member or neighbor check on them daily to re-fill water and food if you are going to be gone.

This way you have someone checking on health of the chicks and your heat lamp as well.

Yeah I’m going to have a friend swing by from time to time but it still worries me leaving a lamp plugged in.

 

[blackdog043]

If your not leaving for a couple days and are able to turn the light off for a few hours, then on for an hour and repeat, this should help acclimate them and see how they react to no heat. It's better than turning the light of and never having it on again.

I would be more worried about food and water. Hopefully your friend will be able to come by daily to refill these.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

If you set the house temp a little warmer, they would be just fine. But you would still want to have someone come by to check feed/water.