I'd definitely stick with red. Does cut down on pecking each other.
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I want to add two questions. I am using a tub similar to the one in KBGChicken's photo, for four chicks. My questions are:
1. This tub is going to be too small to go all the way to the point that the girls move outside, right? So I need to look for something bigger. (4 chicks will eventually need 8 sq. feet. So I would need two tubs or something at least 4ft. x 2ft.)
2. I borrowed a brooder lamp and I'm so far having to keep it about 22 inches above the level of the bedding (12 inches higher than the rim of the tub). I think I'll need to go out and buy a smaller bulb. But my question is this: Under what circumstances would a bulb as powerful as I've got EVER be useful? At any height similar to what I'm seeing in other photos of brooders, it would make the area underneath it at least 110 degrees (that's what the corner of my tub got to!).
Adorable!It is always nice to have more room for them to run around and get the exercise they need as they grow, but it all depends on your situation and how much room you can provide. I started with 2X4 feet and expanded (I used scrap wood) and added another light on once they "ventured" to the additional space. As you can see in the pics, I used a 75 watt bulb at 18 inches and they still didn't sleep directly under the light...much too hot for them.
I would recommend to anyone to buy a smaller bulb. I have not found a 250 watt bulb useful in any circumstance.
I bought a thermometer and put it under the light on the shavings and it was the right temp.