Best Chick Brooder heat source?

[TaraD976]

I wanted opinions on the safest and most cost effective ways to keep baby chicks warm. I have used and am currently using the basic metal clamp light with the red bulb. I am always worrying about how safe it is, specially running 24/7. I've used it in the past with no issues but wanted to try other options. Has anyone used any of the following.. Premier heat lamp, Brooder Hen by Titan Incubators, Brinsea Ecoglow, Or the Premier Chick heating plate? Other info.. I only plan on using it for 10-12 chicks at a time and indoors only.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I think the standard heat lamp should be fine. As long as it’s in a controlled area. We left ours on for days on end, and it never got close to lighting on fire, and it was hovering above (a mere inch away) some black mesh that could be flammable. But, no fires or even smoke.

 

[The Phantom]

I just use a 100 watt white light bulb. It keep the area at like 99F. I like that much more than a heat lamp

 

[Minky]

A lot of folks on here like the Mama Heating Pad. if you enter that into the title search on this site you will find a great thread about using an electric heat pad to make a cave for the little chicks to crawl under and huddle up against.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

i never used a lamp but rather a small personal portable heater that had been under my desk to keep off the chill with a temperature dial plus the brooder next to heat vent.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

My personal preference is a Heat source that allows for a natural day night cycle for the chicks so this would be a brooder plate or the mama heat pad. I use the mama heat that

 

[lazy gardener]

I use a heating pad cave. Will never subject chicks to a heat lamp again unless I am brooding more than 50 chicks at a time. Check out these 2 info sources:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/yes-you-certainly-can-brood-chicks-outdoors.68067/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/brooding-with-mama-heating-pad.67728/

 

[oregonkat]

Mama Heating Pad, all the way. Chicks love it and are on a regular sleep cycle so I love it too.

 

[ChickNanny13]

MHP = heating pad It's the safest & love the results.