Ceramic Heat Bulb Questions

[SurferchickinSB]

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?
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Please post pictures of your ceramic heat bulb setup!

I used the ceramic bulbs in the same fixture that you use the red bulbs in. I like the ceramic bulbs much better because they do not give off light at night. I just bought different wattages and went down in wattage every couple of weeks. The last time I just used one of my broody hens. I like that method the best.

 

[Rockdale Chick]

I cover the top of my ecoglo brooder with Glad Pressn'seal. It cleans up easily and just pulls off when it gets too dirty.

 

[Vantic]

I use the same ceramic bulb, I use 150 watt, usually two or three in the same type fixtures. The bulbs being 15-17" off the surface gets me great temp control.

Downside, don't know if it is working (can not see failure). Upside, the chicks are not always in light.

Have a great day

 

[RoosterML]

I use the same ceramic bulb, I use 150 watt, usually two or three in the same type fixtures. The bulbs being 15-17" off the surface gets me great temp control.

Downside, don't know if it is working (can not see failure). Upside, the chicks are not always in light.

Have a great day

I just got my 150w ceramic ones in the mail and have been testing them out. Very happy with results. Running about 100-105*f in hottest spot but edges are really nice running mid 80’s-mid 90’s. Gives a great choice for chick to warm up quick if needed (like the first couple days). That is with my basement temp 62* and bulb itself roughly 18” off floor of brooder. I actually think I could go down to 100w but for now I will use what I have. I just run my hand under to check for heat/failure. Can’t wait for next hatch 14 days and counting.

 

[jspeese]

I have always used a heat bulb (not sure of the wattage, I just buy one designated for that purpose) to brood chicks (chickens, guineas, game birds, waterfowl, poults) and have had great luck with them. I do think it is important to hang them at the right, safe height and securely so that they cannot fall, keep them clean, get a heat lamp with a ceramic socket designed for a heat bulb, and keep them away from anything they could heat up to excess and check frequently, but I've never had a problem and have been raising poultry all my life. If the weather is bad I use two, at least at night, even though it may be overkill per number of chicks, in case one burns out on a cold night. And plenty of room in the brooder so that the chicks can get away from the heat. The local feed store has this equipment and saves me the trouble of having to order something. I check the chicks frequently, especially at the start and day and night, and if they are behaving like they should and are comfortable, I know that the temperature is right. I'm not a "gadget" person.

 

[RoosterML]

@jspeese but you are referring to a regular red heat bulb correct? This is about the ceramic heat bulbs that produce heat without the light.

 

[jspeese]

Yes, mine produce visible light as well as infrared light. I've never tried the kind you're talking about. But a regular light bulb won't work either; they don't produce enough heat.

 

[Vantic]

My distances are based on the brooder performance in a near freezing pole barn. Not surprised that 18 inches is your height in a basement. Take care if adding other bulbs nearby, they multiple the heat in their overlapping zones (hope that makes sense).

I really like that you are testing first, before the chicks arrive.

 

[RoosterML]

My distances are based on the brooder performance in a near freezing pole barn. Not surprised that 18 inches is your height in a basement. Take care if adding other bulbs nearby, they multiple the heat in their overlapping zones (hope that makes sense).

I really like that you are testing first, before the chicks arrive.

I hear ya. I have a 200w ceramic one in my outside coop with the 2-3 week olds.

 

[Chickenmeme]

This is what I do with the mama heating pad, works great!

Can I use just a regular heating pad and cover with press and seal? I have a big heat lamp on 11 babies and I’m afraid it’ll burn them or something.