Regulating brooder temp

[aart]

is there a difference between the lamp and mats can you use one or the other or do they need to be used together is one better than the other

I use both.
Lamp during day for first couple days after hatch, heating pad for nights then full time after first couple days.
HP is great fantastic for smaller number of chicks(depends on size of pad and configuration).
Large number of chicks(20-30+) lamps will be more effective.

 

[lilmarie84]

I use both.
Lamp during day for first couple days after hatch, heating pad for nights then full time after first couple days.
HP is great fantastic for smaller number of chicks(depends on size of pad and configuration).
Large number of chicks(20-30+) lamps will be more effective.

I'm waiting on my first flock due between the 27th and the 29th of this month a small flock of 7 or 8 chicks with the lamp what is the best type of bulb to use

 

[aart]

Quote:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/806522/regulating-brooder-temp#post_18358652

 

[chef Vayda]

I have 6 chicks 2 RR ..2 cartridge ..1 Leighton..1 brown. They are 3 and 4 weeks old. When can I Take the heater light off of them. We are almost done with the coop. If the rain stops. Just need to do a little odds and ends. They are getting big.

 

[aart]

I have 6 chicks 2 RR ..2 cartridge ..1 Leighton..1 brown. They are 3 and 4 weeks old. When can I Take the heater light off of them. We are almost done with the coop. If the rain stops. Just need to do a little odds and ends. They are getting big.

You should have already started ramping down the heat to wean them off of it.
Keep a window cracked and the heat off in the brooder room so they get used to cooler ambient temps.
Depending on how cold it is outside, they probably wont need heat in the coop.

 

[chef Vayda]

I live in central California .The weather is fair. Right now with the rain it has that damp feeling. I just turned the light off. Planning on putting them out this coming weekend. And THANK YOU for the advice.

 

[aart]

I live in central California .The weather is fair. Right now with the rain it has that damp feeling. I just turned the light off. Planning on putting them out this coming weekend. And THANK YOU for the advice.

As long as it's dry and out of the wind they should be fine.

Consider making them a 'huddle box', put it in the brooder after turning off the heat(you might have to 'persuade' them to use it) then move it out to the coop with them.
Cardboard box with a bottom a little bigger than what they need to cuddle next to each other without piling and tall enough for them to stand in.
Cut an opening on one side a couple inches from bottom and big enough for 2-3 of them to go thru at once.
Fill the bottom with some pine shavings an inch or so deep.
This will give them a cozy place to sleep/rest, block any drafts and help hold their body heat in.

 

[lilmarie84]

How long must they stay in the brooder like hands down minimum weeks before moving to the coop

 

[FridayYet]

How long must they stay in the brooder like hands down minimum weeks before moving to the coop

Depends on your weather, temps, and coop set up. Mine go out after two weeks or so, but there is a brooder section in the coop with a heat plate. If it's warm at night and they are fully feathered, they won't need heat.

 

[lilmarie84]

will the infrared heat (black light) work in a brooder like the ones they use in reptile tanks or no