Confused over heat light bulb wattage?

[busylizzie]

I am still confused the range of watts advised is massive from 60-250?

The temps here are about 60-70 degrees but the chicks will be inside so it would be around 70 degrees......

I think I will test it with the 250w bulb and if too hot get a 100w......i can't find any other watts lower than that...

 

[Marlinchaser]

If you have the reflector type holder, you can use a regular household bulb it doesnt have to be a chick bulb.

 

[kipper]

Our climate and temps here in the Seattle area are very similar to yours. I brood my chicks indoors inside a large palstic storage tub with an 85 watt red landscaping reflector bulb. I have 2 week old chicks at present and they are doing fine.

We also had a batch a few months back when it was cooler and found we had to turn the heat on in the room they were in to make it warm enough for the first few days. All survived and are thriving.

If you have a large brooder, you could also use 2 lights. I prefer a red bulb to reduce pecking. When I put them in the hen house, I continue to use a red bulb.

Best of luck in your chick raising venture, we have so enjoyed the experience.