When to turn off the light at night ?

[CricketP]

Hi new here.

Our 2 baby chicks are about 5 weeks old, should we be turning off the heat lamp at night so they can rest on their roosting pole?

They seem very healthy and eat and drink like crazy

they are getting their feathers as well

it gets down to about 65 here at night at this point

also when can they stop eating chick food?

glad to be here

Thanks!

 

[Triple Willow]

You can turn off the heat lamp completely by 4 weeks in good weather. Actually the sooner you make them do without heat the quicker their feathers will come in. Of course you don't want to make them sick but I think the "general guidelines" are a little much. You should be able to put them outside by 4 weeks. They will need starter or starter/grower (about 20% protein) until they start to lay eggs. After that you can put them on layer feed (about 17% protein). You can leave them on starter or starter/grower if you can find one that is lower in protein and just have calcium (oyster shell) available on the side.

Welcome to BYC!

 

[CricketP]

Thanks for the info-really helpful!
and the welcome too!

 

[Triple Willow]

Thanks for the info-really helpful!
and the welcome too!

You're welcome. There are several "sticky articles" on various subjects that you can do a search for. They should help a lot.

 

[CricketP]

Oh my, I turned off the light and they were huddled in a corner, temp in the cage was 66 degrees, but I felt so bad for them I put the light back on and they were so happy, eating and drinking and sitting on their little roosting pole

I am a sucker I suppose

 

[Triple Willow]

No problem. It is usually best to gradually take their light away anyways. I will start leaving mine off during the day all day, then when it is a little warmer at night. Then before you know it they are use to it. They will huddle up some for warmth and security though.