What should the heat be at for my runt?

littlepip

Songster
6 Years
Sep 1, 2018
423
466
172
Minnesota
As posted about before, my 5 week runt is getting some feathers in and her sister is no longer in need of a heat lamp. (95° summer days and nights don’t drop below 60°) right now they’ve been in a brooder on our indoor porch where we don’t have AC or heat, so the outdoor temps are felt completely. They seem to be doing fine but I’m worried for my runt as I’m unsure she’s ready for the lack of heat lamp. I mean, she is 5 weeks old, but about the size of a 2 week old. They cuddle up together at night, is that enough? She didn’t seem to be uncomfortable or cold when I checked on her this morning.

Here’s a pic for size comparison—>

IMG_6959.jpeg
 
As posted about before, my 5 week runt is getting some feathers in and her sister is no longer in need of a heat lamp. (95° summer days and nights don’t drop below 60°) right now they’ve been in a brooder on our indoor porch where we don’t have AC or heat, so the outdoor temps are felt completely. They seem to be doing fine but I’m worried for my runt as I’m unsure she’s ready for the lack of heat lamp. I mean, she is 5 weeks old, but about the size of a 2 week old. They cuddle up together at night, is that enough? She didn’t seem to be uncomfortable or cold when I checked on her this morning.

Here’s a pic for size comparison—>

View attachment 4166363
Two of my broody pullets hatched some chicks (chicks are now 3.5 weeks)

One won full mom duties of the three chicks.
But she stopped snuggling them at night at 2 weeks old?
(They take care of them during the day, but not at night.)
The chicks huddle together at night where the mom used to nest them. It's been over a week, and they're doing just fine.
But, it is hot out. Nights usually aren't much below 60f right now.

But if they seem fine without any heat now, they're probably good without it.
They might even be getting close to roosting age?
 
From your description they should be fine together without heat, the larger chick will help keep the small one warm. Even a 2 week old should be fine at 60 with very little additional heat. If you can put out a tub like that for them, turned on its side with plenty of straw, they can cuddle up even more for warmth if needed.
 

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