When to turn the heat lamp off??

[CT_Todd]

The chickens are now 5 weeks old are currently in my garage in a large dog crate.
The coop is appox 2 or 3 days from being completed.

Still have nice weather here in CT, warm days and the nights in upper 60s/low 70s..Currently the heat lamp is on almost all the time..(if warm out and I am home I will unplug but will plug it back in at dusk) Its keeping the temp around 80 or so. The question is how soon do I shut the heat lamp down for good? They will probably be in the coop by the weekend with no heat lamp.

 

[theFox]

How is the feathering out going?

If they are fully feathered you can ditch the heat lamp now.

If not in a few days, the temperature under the lamp should be about 75 during week 5 and 70 during week 6. Once the birds are fully feathered or the night time temperature is above the recommended brooder temperature you can ditch the heat lamp.

 

[BeccaB00]

well, we put our chicks out at 3 weeks. With no lamp or heat. As long as they have got MOST of their feathers then you can saftly put them outside, and do away with the heat lamp.

 

[gavinandallison]

Mine have gone outside with no heat lamp @ 5 weeks.... They seem very happy, about 80% coverage of thier bodies in feathers, and they seem to love being out in the open.

 

[rancher hicks]

If the temps are high enough and they have enough shelter then sure turn the lamp off. Though I have chicks younger outside the stay warm at night with mom. You could just turn it off during the day. Night too if there are enough to keep warm.

 

[Southernbelle]

I usually turn the heat lamp off really early, but I live in Virginia where the overnight temps are still pretty high. I think you're fine to turn the heat lamp off now if they're fully feathered. Give them a few days in the garage without the lamp and move them to the coop without the lamp and that should transition them fine.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Almost all chicks are fully feathered at 4 to 5 weeeks. Once they are fully feathered, they do not need the heat lamp. I would turn it off now.

 

[CT_Todd]

Sounds like it's time..they are 2 or 3 days away from being put out in the coop so everything seems to be inline. Plus its will still be realtively warm around here for another 2 or 3 weeks...


Thanks everyone for the feedback.