When do I reduce light?

[newchickmom]

My chicks are 9 weeks old.
They are in an unheated barn with a RED heat light over the roost and another heat light near their food and water.
The nights are still between 45 and 50.
Would it be OK to only keep the Red light now? Or should I wait?

 

[chickenannie]

When their feathers are all grown in is when they can stay warm on their own. I would keep the light on for heat if the nights are still that cold. The rule is take the temp down 5 degrees every week until it matches the outside temp. Of course if its 40 degrees outside you wait for the feathers.
So, week 1 is 95 degrees, week 2 is 90 degrees etc. put a thermometer in the pen to check the temp.

 

[ebonykawai]

Well, mine are 6 weeks and were sleeping on shavings under heat, but a few days ago they moved to the roost where there isn't any heat. I let them do what they wanted to do. Who am I to say how hot or cold they are? If they wanted to be under heat, I'm sure they would still be there. Anyway, my temps here are the same as yours. I don't think you need two heat lamps.

 

[newchickmom]

Thanks,
I think I'll get rid of 1 heat light and just leave the red one over the roost.