[jo40]

Hello

I would like to know if it would be too late in the season to get some day old chicks. I have a heat lamp and a shed with power, the shed is 6 x 4 so would easily accommodate a few chicks for a few weeks.
I have read that they need the lamp for 5 weeks, then some time indoors without the heat to acclimatise, would this still be correct during the autumn season? 

TIA Jo
 

[Roughlee Handled]

Yes it would be OK.

On heat for 5 weeks minimum.
Starting temp 37.5 and reduce by 3-4 degrees centigrade each week till you reach the external temperature. 
I then move them to an outside shed/coop with a straw box (so they can huddle in and keep warm at night).
If you are going to use heat lamps get a spare bulb just in case and may be use two lamps as one may blow and the chicks get cold.

[oddpaws]

We were given some chicks last year in the autumn and as roughly said so long as they are warm and fed and watered they should be fine. If they all hudle closely together right under the lamp they are a bit cold and if they are all sperad out and not moving much they are a bit hot....very basically

[Roughlee Handled]

I would suggest you get this  book
Incubation: A Guide to Hatching and Rearing by Katie Thear

[GrannieAnnie]

Personally I think 37.5°C is a bit high for chicks, even in the autumn.  That's the heat for turkey poults.

32 is fine, but no more than 35, but like ruffy and oddpaws say,if they are crowded together under the lamp, lower it a bit and higher the lamp a bit if they are too warm and crowd around the outside of the shed.  Also make sure there are no sharp corners for them to crowd into.  If they do get cold or scared, they can crush each other in an effort to reach 'safety'

We have our hybrid chicks all year round.

[jo40]

Hello

Thanks for the advice, I've got them. Decided on 4 just in case I mess it up  .
They are 1 week old, under a ceramic heat lamp at 32. In the dining room ( The light fitting allowed a quick set of the heat lamp)!!
I also got the book adviced, so thank you and here's to a sleepless night
Jo