pgivens83
Hatching
Hello all!
My first post here on BYC but I'm familiar with raising birds (4-H and laying hens during my school aged days).
We're on target to get four chicks for our backyard in the spring. I'm looking at brooder options and my intention is to convert a 54 gallon rubbermaid tote into a brooder (like this - http://onhitchingpostlane.com/2015/01/31/diy-chick-brooder/) and keep it in my basement until the birds are old enough to transition outside to a tractor.
I'm currently debating my heat source...
I'm attracted to the infrared ceramic "lamps" such as this one - http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Ceram...=1451581221&sr=8-1&keywords=ceramic+heat+lamp, then using a digital control such as this - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NZZG3S/?ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_WZkHwb0J0QD1M
Any experience, both good or bad, with these lamps and controls? And what wattage do you recommend for that sized brooder being kept indoors.
Many thanks!
Trish
My first post here on BYC but I'm familiar with raising birds (4-H and laying hens during my school aged days).
We're on target to get four chicks for our backyard in the spring. I'm looking at brooder options and my intention is to convert a 54 gallon rubbermaid tote into a brooder (like this - http://onhitchingpostlane.com/2015/01/31/diy-chick-brooder/) and keep it in my basement until the birds are old enough to transition outside to a tractor.
I'm currently debating my heat source...
I'm attracted to the infrared ceramic "lamps" such as this one - http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Ceram...=1451581221&sr=8-1&keywords=ceramic+heat+lamp, then using a digital control such as this - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NZZG3S/?ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_WZkHwb0J0QD1M
Any experience, both good or bad, with these lamps and controls? And what wattage do you recommend for that sized brooder being kept indoors.
Many thanks!
Trish