a heat sourcefter hatching

[1stClassBresse]

Whats the best way to rear chicks after hatching with regards to a heat source?

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

I always use heat lamps. I don't know if it's the best way, but it's what I've always done.

 

[Lizzy733]

As a reptile keeper, I've had quite a bit of experience with heating. Personally, I recommend a caged ceramic socket with a ceramic bulb. It should be bolted down and on a plug in thermostat with probe so it will cut on and off to regulate the temp.

If you are dealing with very cold temps, you can look into a red bulb, but they 'must' be on a thermostat and tend to pop their filament so should probably be supplemented with another source of heat just in case. - Something like a seedling heat mat wrapped in a towel is good for supplemental heat as they tend to not go higher than 30c.

Ceramic bulbs are sturdy and last. They are slow to heat up and slow to cool - also fare very well on thermostat. The wattage correlates to heat produced, so the colder the environment, the higher the wattage needed. 100 watt is a good place to start if you're unsure.

The reds all get much hotter, are quick to heat up and quick to cool off. They have their place, but are definitely a proceed with caution. They do not like being on thermostat, but it really is a necessity to ensure they don't get too hot at any point.

If you can get ahold of an IR heat gun, those are very handy for spot checking temps.

A lot of people recommend the momma heat pad, but I have not tried this. I'm a bit turned off by direct contact high-heat devices as they are frowned upon in the reptile world for causing burns. I'm sure other people who have used them will have differing opinions on this. As mentioned, I've just not bothered with them, so don't really have an opinion on them.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Here’s a whole third option! I swear by the brooder plates. I use the Brinsea ones. Mimics the natural environment for the chicks. You don’t have to check temperature and I’ve never had any problems with them.
No glaring red light 24/7. Less of a fire hazard and also uses less electricity.

 

[1stClassBresse]

As a reptile keeper, I've had quite a bit of experience with heating. Personally, I recommend a caged ceramic socket with a ceramic bulb. It should be bolted down and on a plug in thermostat with probe so it will cut on and off to regulate the temp.

If you are dealing with very cold temps, you can look into a red bulb, but they 'must' be on a thermostat and tend to pop their filament so should probably be supplemented with another source of heat just in case. - Something like a seedling heat mat wrapped in a towel is good for supplemental heat as they tend to not go higher than 30c.

Ceramic bulbs are sturdy and last. They are slow to heat up and slow to cool - also fare very well on thermostat. The wattage correlates to heat produced, so the colder the environment, the higher the wattage needed. 100 watt is a good place to start if you're unsure.

The reds all get much hotter, are quick to heat up and quick to cool off. They have their place, but are definitely a proceed with caution. They do not like being on thermostat, but it really is a necessity to ensure they don't get too hot at any point.

If you can get ahold of an IR heat gun, those are very handy for spot checking temps.

A lot of people recommend the momma heat pad, but I have not tried this. I'm a bit turned off by direct contact high-heat devices as they are frowned upon in the reptile world for causing burns. I'm sure other people who have used them will have differing opinions on this. As mentioned, I've just not bothered with them, so don't really have an opinion on them. I think I will use a ceramic bulb on a thermostat as per one of your suggestions. Many thanks.

 

[kmpcfp]

I used to use a heat lamp but now brooder plates are the way to go for us. Far less risk of fire and overheating.

 

[Lizzy733]

I used to use a heat lamp but now brooder plates are the way to go for us. Far less risk of fire and overheating.

This is why bulb equipment should always be on a thermostat with proper sockets, cages, well secured, and well above any bedding or water.

Red bulbs can still be a bit temperamental (I've had one shatter in a cage on me in one of my reptile vivs), but I think there just seems to be a big gap in knowledge on how to use them effectively and safely. It definitely can be done, but may not be the cheapest or easiest to just throw together on a whim.