Well, this is the week that the coop should be ready for move in day! The little ladies, four 7 week olds, have been outside in the enclosed run each day. At night I have them in the house but with no heat lamp, just an overhead light dimmed to almost off. One of the chicks is afraid of the dark and sets up a fuss every night when the "sun" gets turned off. Eventually the others get it settled down and they all sleep on the roost in the brooder. So, here is my question. Which factor is most important to deal with?
The temps here (Seattle area) are still very cool. 50's during the day, 40's at night, still rainy 6 days out of every week.
I have the heat lamp out in the run right now, but they aren't hanging out under it except very occasionally.
When I move them to the coop for the first few nights should I put a light in there to keep Johnny from being scared?
Or, should I put a light in there because it will be colder than when they are in the house without a light?
Or do I let them get used to the dark so they can continue getting a full night's sleep?
Or, do I put a really low wattage light out so Johnny isn't scared, but they can sleep well, but won't get any warmth from it?
I am not sure which issue may be a concern.
The temps here (Seattle area) are still very cool. 50's during the day, 40's at night, still rainy 6 days out of every week.
I have the heat lamp out in the run right now, but they aren't hanging out under it except very occasionally.
When I move them to the coop for the first few nights should I put a light in there to keep Johnny from being scared?
Or, should I put a light in there because it will be colder than when they are in the house without a light?
Or do I let them get used to the dark so they can continue getting a full night's sleep?
Or, do I put a really low wattage light out so Johnny isn't scared, but they can sleep well, but won't get any warmth from it?
I am not sure which issue may be a concern.
