heat lamp and 3 day old chicks

[J viizy]

The other day I got an order of day old hen chicks from a hatchery online. This is my first time raising poultry but I think I have a lot of good info in general. One tiny thing Im curious about is whether I should keep the heat lamp on 24/7. I want them to have a consistent source of heat but Im worried it will keep them up at night. I see them napping throughout the day so maybe its fine but some suggestions would be nice! Thank you

 

[rosemarythyme]

What are ambient temperatures where the brooder is located? Is the heat lamp the sole source of heat? If it's hot enough a heat source around the clock may not be needed.

 

[StinkyAcres]

They likely need the heat on 24/7. Are you using a red heat bulb? If not you may want to switch to one as it won't keep them awake. Just make sure the bulb is NOT Teflon coated.

 

[J viizy]

What are ambient temperatures where the brooder is located? Is the heat lamp the sole source of heat? If it's hot enough a heat source around the clock may not be needed.

they're in my basement. it sits at like 70 but might fluctuate with the weather outside. I dont think theyll need it in a week or two given that its getting nicer out.

 

[J viizy]

They likely need the heat on 24/7. Are you using a red heat bulb? If not you may want to switch to one as it won't keep them awake. Just make sure the bulb is NOT Teflon coated.

Thats a great idea. I was actually thinking about that since I know someone who uses those with their turtle. Thanks for the teflon tip I might not have known! I read they dont like sudden changes in light which makes me happy I have them where I do because theres a lot of lights I can use to wean them into darkness.

 

[rosemarythyme]

they're in my basement. it sits at like 70 but might fluctuate with the weather outside. I dont think theyll need it in a week or two given that its getting nicer out.

At 2 weeks they can probably go without completely. But until then, yes they need a warm spot around 90F to keep them warm throughout day and night, as well as cooler areas to allow them to get away from heat when they don't want it.