Ceramic Heat Bulb Questions

[RoosterML]

I wonder if a draft guard would make a difference with the ceramic bulbs, if you would get better or more even heat distribution... probably could use a lower wattage too, in that case, if it minimizes heat loss well enough. might be something I try for the next batch of babies when they come...

I could see a draft guard working if in an outdoor brooder. I have mine in the basement so no real air movement.
If you notice during the testing I had the blocks on edge to try to see if it would hold the heat in.

 

[RoosterML]

Can you run them on a dimmer cord?

I have no idea. If I had one I would surely try it. @aart you do it.
I do have an electronic dimmer switch that I could wire up but that would require me to do to much work.

 

[aart]

I do have an electronic dimmer switch that I could wire up but that would require me to do to much work.

I used a dimmer extension cord on my lamps,
never tried it with my 75W CHE because of the lousy heat distribution.
Not sure I even still have that thing.

 

[Trisseh]

I could see a draft guard working if in an outdoor brooder. I have mine in the basement so no real air movement.
If you notice during the testing I had the blocks on edge to try to see if it would hold the heat in.

Yeah, I see that. Definitely would help with air movement if that was a problem. In my outdoor, crazy temp fluctuation situation, anything to retain enough heat without smothering them was what I needed. Lol.
I think my saying “draft” guard is misleading; I mean the old school hover draft guards that go over the light/heat source, that the chicks enter through little door spaces. Similar to this idea, although there’s a ton of variations on it and what I’m thinking of goes down to the floor with spaces for them to go in and out. i would think it would help to distribute the warm air a bit more evenly before it rises.

 

[spartacus_63]

Been there done that, but that’s not what this thread is about.

Well, it kinda is.
From the OP: "What are the pros and cons of it from your experience?"

 

[RoosterML]

Well, it kinda is.
From the OP: "What are the pros and cons of it from your experience?"

I am the OP, correct yes the pros and cons of ceramic heat bulbs/emitters with your experiences with them.

 

[RoosterML]

Yeah, I see that. Definitely would help with air movement if that was a problem. In my outdoor, crazy temp fluctuation situation, anything to retain enough heat without smothering them was what I needed. Lol.
I think my saying “draft” guard is misleading; I mean the old school hover draft guards that go over the light/heat source, that the chicks enter through little door spaces. Similar to this idea, although there’s a ton of variations on it and what I’m thinking of goes down to the floor with spaces for them to go in and out. i would think it would help to distribute the warm air a bit more evenly before it rises.
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Ok yes now I get your idea. Yes I am sure it would get really nice and toasty. Kinda of a heat box within the brooder.
The metal reflector is what really makes the difference with these bulbs. In the plastic premier light fixture I was not getting any heat reflected downwards.

 

[Rj28racer]

We been using 150 w clipped on side of tote ( the large black ones, that comes with yellow lid, we don’t use lid) about 14” inches away and seems good. Heat gun reading 95 degrees under it and opposite other side of tub is about 83 degrees

 

[Angileen]

Only thing I don’t like about the plates is the cleaning once the chicks start jumping and pooping all over them. That’s why I am thinking of trying something else beside my current setup with heating pads.

I use a heating plate chick brooder, way safer than light bulbs. You raise the leg's as they grow. I love mine.

 

[RoosterML]

What is the largest amount of chickens y’all have done with one Ceramic Heat Emitter?
Please list ambient temp, bulb wattage and location of brooder.
I’ve got 50 meaties coming in next week and wondering if I can get away with 1 CHE or should just use one red bulb.