Michigan - Page 3706  

Hi, need some help, got meat birds coming fri. got the brooder ready today 4'x4' square wood box on the tractor. my problem is, I have 250 heat lamps turned it on for about 15 min and it got to 108,,,what size bulb would you use, there are vent holes around the top and it is outside, under our second floor deck-3season porch. I plan to check on a lower watt red lamp tomorrow 

I'm having the same issues right now beacuse of these ambient temps outside.  I even had my ducklings out in a wire pen just beacuse it was so bloody hot!  Anyway, I switched from a 250W bulb to a 75W full spectrum (I had on hand) and I only turn that on before I go to bed when the outside is cooler.  All day the brooders have been picture perfect 85 degrees.  Those are my CX that are now two weeks old.  So, they do make 125W heat but you could try a regular 100 or 75W bulb.  With the temperatures we're having it's a check and wait thing.  I think the temps are falling in the Muskegon area in a week or so, back to the 50's.  BTW, I've used both white and red and had the same results with bird temperment. 
 

Hi, need some help, got meat birds coming fri. got the brooder ready today 4'x4' square wood box on the tractor. my problem is, I have 250 heat lamps turned it on for about 15 min and it got to 108,,,what size bulb would you use, there are vent holes around the top and it is outside, under our second floor deck-3season porch. I plan to check on a lower watt red lamp tomorrow 

Yes, they are really that big. AND, next to the bantams they look even bigger. I gave them their females today. They have Blue Marans and Blue Splash Marans. Big Boy is being good as gold now. I just don't think he likes the color blue. Hope he doesn't hold it against his girls LOL

BIG HUGE MISTAKE and I am really paying for it now.

I haven't talked to him yet. Maybe on Monday.

Oiy. My creativity is being stifled. Any sober carpenter can make a square barn.   How boring!!
 

Well that was interesting.

After working in the backyard all day, raking, cleaning, cutting wood and other chores, my complaining neighbor had a few words for me. As I stacked some wood along the fence, she called me a "Ducking Fick".  Such language from a "lady"!  

Sorry, I missed this earlier.

Can you move the lamp higher above the brooder?  

I have 2 Rubbermaid water troughs that I use for brooders. The 250 red heat lamps are at one end and the chicks can move back and forth to the warmer end as they see fit. I have a thermometer in the middle so I have a pretty good idea of the temperature. 

Your 4x4 box should have enough area for the chicks to find a warm spot if they want it. 

I'm no expert, but I've been watching my ducklings and chicks and they are thriving with what I have set up.