We bought some chicks newly hatched about 8 weeks ago, I believe. They are fully feathered and it is quite warm here in MO. I leave a light on in their coop overnight to discourage piling (15 watt). When can I take the light out??? Thanks

-- Jenn (none@none.com), May 09, 2002

Answers

Chickens usually pile up in corners for warmth. A 15 watt bulb does not put out that much heat so I doubt it is discouraging piling. You say is is quite warm, so I would suggest that the ambient temperature is the reason there is no piling, therefore, removing the light at any time should not make a difference.

-- Abdul (Nospam@aol.com), May 09, 2002.

Heck, they could be up on roosts by now, couldn't they? I wouldn't worry about keeping a light on them at this point.

-- Jennifer L. (Northern NYS) (jlance@nospammail.com), May 09, 2002.

At 8 weeks they should have quite a bit of feathers on them so I wouldn't worry about a light for heat. What I would worry about is the amount of room they have inside the coop. Also they should be starting to roost by now. Do you have a place for them to roost?

-- r.h. in okla. (rhays@sstelco.com), May 09, 2002.

I thought chickens were fully feathered at 4 weeks old. Fryers are only 6 weeks old, Right? Give them a roost. I have a 1 1/2 week old dominecker roosting on top of the waterer.

-- Robin Downing (Southpawrobin1@aol.com), May 10, 2002.

Oh, yes, they have many roosts. Their favorite is an old ladder I set up. They like that better than the "fancy" dowels we installed! They also have at least 25 square feet a piece. They are such a joy! They follow us around everywhere! Nosey creatures and sweet at the same time! They all take turns sitting on my lap while I pet them! Is that normal? As soon as one goes down, another flies up to take it's turn. Jenn

-- Jenn (none@none.com), May 10, 2002.