Could a normal bulb substitute for a heat lamp?

[werttyy]

The room itself is already 80 degrees, but I am aiming for 90 degrees to stop the chirping. The chicks are 1 week old ones.

 

[2many2count]

I would say no personally but in all fairness I would suggest use it and if it stops the chirping and they are content you have it at a temp they like. But please let us know cause I hadn't figured there would be enough heat off of one to work. I paid that fortune to get the heat lamp and of course mine went out after other places closed and only place to get one was ugh was almost $7...I about flipped. I have to say tho my chicks will let you know fast if it would work so I bet yours would too.

 

[silkiechicken]

YES.

In my outdoor brooders, I use 2 100W regular old bulbs in a 4x4x6 brooder hut when it is 30F and snowing for day olds. Two, just in case one goes out.

In doors, I use one 60W or 40W on a dimmer. I only keep the light 4-6 inches above chick head height.

 

[Chickenpoor]

Yes, I always use regular light bulbs and my chicks are fine with it and never complain.

 

[Celtic Chick]

According to many poultry sites:
A heat source
Baby chicks need to be kept pretty hot. Think sauna! The first week of their lives they require an air temperature of 95 degrees, the second week 90 degrees, and so on - going down by 5 degrees per week until they're ready to transition to "outside". A 250-watt infrared heat lamp is the best way to achieve this, placed right in the middle of their living area and suspended off the ground. The height of the light will depend on what it takes to achieve your target temperature.

We recommend a red heat bulb for a few reasons: one, with a bright white light constantly glaring it can be hard for them to sleep. The red light is darker and provides them some respite. Two, red lights help prevent them from pecking one another.
Link:
http://www.mypetchicken.com/backyard-chickens/chicken-care/chapter-4-caring-for-baby-chicks.aspx

 

[LaurasLorps]

I am using a 100 watt bulb with a little reflector cone thing in my brooder (I only have 4, so it isn't a huge space I am having to heat). Since the brooder is inside they have been quite happy and comfortable. I even had to move the light up the first day because they were too warm.
Also, because I couldn't find a red bulb (which is supposed to help reduce pecking and helps them sleep better), I just bought some red tissue paper for $1 and put that on top of my brooder, right below the light. It gives the same effect in the brooder as a red light would. So far it is working great.
I think you could definitely get away with using a regular light bulb as long as you are keeper the brooder inside and as long as it is not a huge space you are trying to heat.

 

[BackyardFarmMama]

Quote:
Wouldn't tissue paper be a fire hazard? (Not critisizing just curious)

 

[cmfarm]

I use a 60w black light bulb (it is marketed for reptiles) for my indoor chicks and they do great. The black light gets warm but doesn't make as much light.