Brooder heat/light question.

[Kgudie]

Going to put together my brooder this weekend and was wondering what to use for heat. I am a little concerned about using a heat lamp because of the risk of fire in my garage, but was wondering if a 100 Watt bulb would keep the chicks up and noisy at night. Is there something that will keep the little ones warm without keeping them up at night and not cost a lot?

 

[catchthewind]

We can get red heat bulbs from 50W all the way up to 250W at the pet store here, and they're not too expensive, about $10-$15 I think depending on the wattage. I couldn't find any less than 250W at the feed stores or hardware stores. Walmart had a 75W "party" light that was red. It wasn't meant for heat but I believe it was incandescent so would probably work. I've heard of people using heat pads under the brooder too, as long as they have a place to go to cool down, but I like that the heat is a bit more variable with a light (from really hot in the center to cooler as they leave it), whereas with a heat pad it seems like it would be either hot or cold and no in between.

 

[RGWright]

When you mention Garage, is this a heated garage? Are you even in a warm environment?

You'll have to test different watts I would assume, depending on the heat in your garage. Try to find a 125 watt bulb to start with (And keep it as a spare for next winter! Reason: You'll want more chicks... trust me...). A light is the best method, and probably the cheapest to use. Good luck with your new chickens!

To keep fire safe, think of a good method for the bottom of the brooder. Maybe some hardware cloth about 3 inches above wood chips? This will allow you plenty of time to catch the light if it falls before a fire could start. Also, you may be able to screw the light into the side of the brooder, which will help ensure your properties safety, and more importantly, yours!

 

[Kgudie]

Quote:
The garage is insulated, but not heated. I live in central WI, and the night temps are around the mid 30's right now. Chicks will be here in about a week and a half, so it should be a little warmer by then, bit it is only April, so maybe not.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Hi, from across the lake.

Here in northern Michigan, the nights are around 30. I am brooding in the garage right now. I put them out there last weekend.
I like to use three light sockets. I have the traditional 250 red for the cold nights, but also have two 125 watts that I can add if the night is really cold. Or, use any combination to achieve the correct warmth needed.

It is simple to keep the temps between 85-90 for the first two weeks. I'll reduce it to 80-85 for the next two weeks.

Hope that gives you some ideas.

 

[PapaChaz]

Fred's Hens :

Hi, from across the lake.

Here in northern Michigan, the nights are around 30. I am brooding in the garage right now. I put them out there last weekend.
I like to use three light sockets. I have the traditional 250 red for the cold nights, but also have two 125 watts that I can add if the night is really cold. Or, use any combination to achieve the correct warmth needed.

It is simple to keep the temps between 85-90 for the first two weeks. I'll reduce it to 80-85 for the next two weeks.

Hope that gives you some ideas.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/69833_dscf3095.jpg
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/69833_dscf3094.jpg

i love that multi purpose brooder!​

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you use a heat lamp, please throw that clamp away so you are not even tempted to use it. Support it with a chain, wire, something that will not let it fall. Make sure it is very secure. You can adjust the temperature by the height of the lamp or changing the wattage of the bulbs.

If you can set the brodoer up where it has real good draft protection and you can keep one area in the right temperature range, you are good to go. Set it up, put a thermometer in there, and check it on your coolest nights, probably real early in the morning.

You do not need to keep the entire brooder in the right temperature range. I set mine up in the coop and often have the far corners 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the correct temperature. Mine tend to stay under the lamp the first couple of days, but then they play all over the brooder. They only come back to the heat when they need to warm up. That is really not all that often.

I find that by keeping one area in the right temperature range they find their own comfort level. I also think it helps them get acclimated to cooler temperatures so it is less a shock to them when I take the heat away at around 4-1/2 to 5 weeks of age.

 

[bentmtnhen]

My brooder is in an unheated enclosed porch (pathetic if any insulation). I've got one 250 watt red bulb for it. Already had a secure set-up to hang the fixture from the ceiling, & set things up about a week & a half ahead of time so that I could "play" with light height to get a feel for temp targets.

Outside temps went as low as the high 20s after the chicks came home, but ambient temp on the porch has stayed above at least 40. My birds have been fine with this set up (5wks old now). I do have west-facing windows which help with afternoon temps on sunny days.

Let us know how things go, & GOOD LUCK!!

 

[fifelakelooper]

Fred's Hens :

Hi, from across the lake.

Here in northern Michigan, the nights are around 30. I am brooding in the garage right now. I put them out there last weekend.
I like to use three light sockets. I have the traditional 250 red for the cold nights, but also have two 125 watts that I can add if the night is really cold. Or, use any combination to achieve the correct warmth needed.

It is simple to keep the temps between 85-90 for the first two weeks. I'll reduce it to 80-85 for the next two weeks.

Hope that gives you some ideas.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/69833_dscf3095.jpg
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/69833_dscf3094.jpg

North Michigan here too! I have always put my chicks in the basement...it is about 60 in there...so is heated. I hang a 250 heat lamp from the rafters and it is a yearly hassle for me. Thinking of going with a temperature control switch...I have a hard time getting the temps where they recommend. I just put two day old chicks there last night...suppose to be 95 degrees there but seems I get 90 or 100 and can't get 95!!! I have a 4' wide by 8' long box with a smaller cardboard ring inside for the first few days. So far...the chicks seem to stay on the outer edge of the heat even though it says 90 on the thermometer.​

 

[Fred's Hens]

Quote:
North Michigan here too! I have always put my chicks in the basement...it is about 60 in there...so is heated. I hang a 250 heat lamp from the rafters and it is a yearly hassle for me. Thinking of going with a temperature control switch...I have a hard time getting the temps where they recommend. I just put two day old chicks there last night...suppose to be 95 degrees there but seems I get 90 or 100 and can't get 95!!! I have a 4' wide by 8' long box with a smaller cardboard ring inside for the first few days. So far...the chicks seem to stay on the outer edge of the heat even though it says 90 on the thermometer.

Greetings from Beaver Creek, just to your east.

I only brood in March/April and again in September/October. I use the garage (unheated) in spring and the barn (unheated) in fall.
I never achieve nor desire 95 and neither do the chicks. 90 is plenty. I've never lost a chick (knock on wood).
By week two, they spend much of their time out in 50 degree ambient air nearby the heat circle.
By week three, they spend half their time in farther away, in 40 degree ambient air, only coming into the circle (which is now 80 degrees) for naps.

I only keep rugged, cold hearty breeds. Those with blood lines of various Rocks, RIR, Sex Links etc. They were made in and for our climate. I keep no tropical varieties nor any bantams. The 45th Parallel is no place for sissies!!

PS My barn is unheated in the winter as well. They thrive and lay well all winter.