Weaning Chickens from a heat lamp

[Fred's Hens]

It is likely your do have a humidity problem, which is common when the goal, although well intended, is the misguided attempt to keep them "warm" instead of giving them complete fresh air and not worrying about the temperatures. Chickens' have down and feathers for a reason. They sleep on the bare feet and cuddle with one another. They have no issues until about -30 below zero. Until that point, they are fine. They'd be fine in an open air coop, as long as they can escape a brisk wind. Wind isn't good, but wide open, fresh air is great. Dry is the key. Dampness breeds respiratory issues and discomfort.

The best coop designs are those which allow for full ventilation. Lots and lots of open eaves, roof vents, etc to allow the air inside the coop to be a fresh air haven.

 

[SteveBaz]

So I have a ventilation problem since mine are damp then.

Thats OK and easy to deal with. Make a rectangle first by using a straight line 6" X 12 to 24" will work and do this 3 to 4" (make sure its lover cut than any roof beams or roof support) from the top and once its marked drill a 1/4" hole in each corner of the rectangle then with a Jig saw cut it as straight as you can. Then when done put a handle on it and hinges on it and mount it right back in the same opening you took it out of. When done go to another side and do it again. Once that's done you need to mount hardware cloth 1/4 to 1/2" over the inside of the opening to protect critters from getting in if the vent is open. Good luck fun little project.

 

[Relheok]

Thanks guys! Going to look for windows and some vent setups this week. Will post pictures

 

[maddie1964]

HI,

I am new here and 4 week old chicks. My name is Maddie. I have five in a brooder in my basement which is 70 degrees. I unfortuneatley lost one chick yesterday morning. She had been fine at niht and all the others are fine. No bloddy poop so not sure what caused her death. Daytime temps outside are 74-79. Nighttime because this is Maine is in the 60's. They have had the lamp the entire time and it has been 78-80 in the brooder. I am wanting to wean them and get them outside because they are outrowing the brooder. It will hit 80 next week and I am wondering if I should shut off the heat lamp for a few days and then try them outside? Any help appreciated.

Maddie
2 Bards
2 Balck Australoprs
1 Buff

 

[Den in Penn]

Hi Maddie1964: welcome to BYC.
At those temperatures the five week old chicks will do well with out the added heat from the lamp. If the major part of the brooder is at seventy I'll bet they are rarely going under the heat lamp now. When they go to the coop they will help keep the coops temps closer to seventy then sixty at night. So they should have no problem adjusting.

 

[maddie1964]

HI,

Thank you for your response. I took away the lamp last night and gave them a 60 watt incandescent just so they would not go from light to no light. Tonight I plan on a night light I did notice they are sleeping one right next to another creating a line of five so no group huddling. I didn't quite get the last part about them keeping it closer to 70. Did you mean I would need a supplemental light in the coop or will their body heat help with that?

Thank you!

Maddie

 

[Den in Penn]

I meant that their bodies will produce heat that will push the air temperature up a little in the coop. Them lined up tightly on the perch will also help them retain warmth at night.

 

[maddie1964]

Thank you so much for your reply. They went outside for a field trip yesterday and loved it! I have another issue to contend with...I was all set to put them in the coop today because they are fine off the lamp. However, we are forecast to have 90 degree weather for the beginning days of this week. 86 today, actually. I left a thermometer in the coop yesterday which gets afternoon shade and the thermometer is reading the outside temp exactly. So I know they will need to be kept in the coop when I cannot be with them and I have to work M-TH. I do have time to come home at lunch and check them. My concern is they will be too hot at 90. They will be five weeks on Wednesday. Should I wait until the daytime temp dips to high 70's on Friday?

Thanks again,

Maddie

 

[Den in Penn]

They will do alright at 90, it is below their body temperature. They may not be as active as they would be at say 80, but would you if you had nothing to do eat sleep and grow? They have to get used to the swings in the temperature some time.