Ceramic Heat Bulb Questions

[RoosterML]

I would like some information from those using ceramic heat bulbs to raise chicks.I have both 50w and 200w bulbs.
What type of light fixture do you use it with?
I have both the metal cage holder and the Premier 1 light fixture.
What wattage do you use for how many chicks?
What are the pros and cons of it from your experience?
I am thinking I may give it a go on the next hatch due April 17th. I currently use a radiant heater I made from using two heat pads but it’s just another thing to clean. I am thinking the ceramic heat bulb would make it much easier to clean the brooder.
What say you. Here are some photos of the fixtures and bulbs I have. I was surprised to see the 50w and 200w bulb were the same size. One last question has anyone used the ceramic bulb in the Premier 1 fixture?

Please post pictures of your ceramic heat bulb setup!

 

[RoosterML]

I did some testing using the 50w ceramic heat bulb. Not happy with the results. To me the bulb needs to be way to close to the bedding in order for it to work.
Unheated Surface temp roughly 65*
Light fixture is 7” above surface putting the bulb itself about 9”-10” above surface.
Bulb surface temp 550*f
Center of bulb surface reading 95*
Edge of light fixture surface reading 85*+
To me in order to have chicks you would need to keep the bulb surface way to close to the bedding in order for it to keep the chicks heated with a 50w ceramic heat bulb. It could be used for 6-10 chicks with close supervision but surely not something I am going to do.
Here’s some photos:

Outter edge readings:


Center readings:

Room surface temp:

Bulb Surface Temp:

 

[RoosterML]

@aart test results

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I am a Brinsea heating pad fan.....Light fixtures scare me!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thanks for posting the test results! Never tried one of these bulbs so I assumed they worked similar to a red bulb, but now I know better.

 

[NewChkinTown]

I just ordered one to try. Its 100w. Too much maybe? i tried researching on wattage and got so many different answers, nothing truly clear.

 

[CSAchook]

For chicks, I use a 150 watt ceramic heat emitter. I like that it is more shatterproof than a bulb and puts out no light. I use a much smaller wattage one for my gecko

My chicks are sleeping right now but I can get pictures of their setup tomorrow.

 

[NewChkinTown]

For chicks, I use a 150 watt ceramic heat emitter. I like that it is more shatterproof than a bulb and puts out no light. I use a much smaller wattage one for my gecko

My chicks are sleeping right now but I can get pictures of their setup tomorrow.

Well that makes me feel better haha. I'm getting mixed reviews on using them but I have read they are much safer than the traditional red bulbs. I'm new to this lol. We will have 4 chicks and I don't want them to be too hot or too cold. I plan on using a large tote for a brooder and if I feel the 100w isn't quite enough we have a super warm spare room they can have to supplement lol.

 

[CSAchook]

Well that makes me feel better haha. I'm getting mixed reviews on using them but I have read they are much safer than the traditional red bulbs. I'm new to this lol. We will have 4 chicks and I don't want them to be too hot or too cold. I plan on using a large tote for a brooder and if I feel the 100w isn't quite enough we have a super warm spare room they can have to supplement lol.

FWIW I have used ceramic emitters with all my chicks and reptiles for the last couple years and have never had a problem with one. And I think a hundred watt one should work just fine for a medium sized brooder (my brooder is more on the large side hence the higher wattage)

 

[NewChkinTown]

FWIW I have used ceramic emitters with all my chicks and reptiles for the last couple years and have never had a problem with one. And I I think a hundred watt one should work just fine for a medium sized brooder (my brooder is more on the large side hence the higher wattage)

Awesome! Thanks
I can't wait to get them April 23. With a 5yo, a dog, and new chicks, I'm sure I'll have a billion more questions