Does an aquarium make a good brooder?

[Ridgerunner]

Can someone PLEASE answer my question! I asked if a 25 watt red bulb will work for two small chicks. Thanks for all the help, but I am not using an aquarium for the brooder. I am using a sterilite bin. :/

I used a 25 watts with an incubator and it provided a stable 100 decrees F.

How are we supposed to know enough about your set-up to answer that? If you take a thermometer and lay it in your brooder, you can answer that question quite well yourself, much better than we can. You can adjust the temperature by raising and lowering the heat source until you are happy with the results.

It does not matter that much how many chicks you have. What matters is, with your individual unique set-up, will that bulb keep one small area of your brooder warm. In a protected area with fairly stable temperatures, it should certainly be possible if you get it positioned right. If your brooder is in an area with widely fluctuating temperatures and maybe subject to breezes, it may be more difficult to get it stable.

 

[Nsampsel]

I have used plastic totes & even a 10 gal aquarium. You simply have to watch your chicks to make sure they are not too hot or to cold. I use a standard 100W household bulb in a heat bell for my heat source. I just watch my chicks & raise or lower the light as needed depending on the chicks behavior. If they move away from the light it needs to be raised. If they pile under it it needs to be lowered. If they are lounging comfortably anywhere & everywhere it's perfect.

 

[clogan98]

Can someone PLEASE answer my question! I asked if a 25 watt red bulb will work for two small chicks. Thanks for all the help, but I am not using an aquarium for the brooder. I am using a sterilite bin.

I used a 25 watts with an incubator and it provided a stable 100 decrees F.

I would say no. At night, a 60 watt isn't strong enough for my tank.

 

[clogan98]

How are we supposed to know enough about your set-up to answer that? If you take a thermometer and lay it in your brooder, you can answer that question quite well yourself, much better than we can. You can adjust the temperature by raising and lowering the heat source until you are happy with the results.
It does not matter that much how many chicks you have. What matters is, with your individual unique set-up, will that bulb keep one small area of your brooder warm. In a protected area with fairly stable temperatures, it should certainly be possible if you get it positioned right. If your brooder is in an area with widely fluctuating temperatures and maybe subject to breezes, it may be more difficult to get it stable.

Couldn't have said it any better myself

 

[Fluttershy]

okay thank you

It won't be huge but it won't be tiny. thank you guys!

 

[Fluttershy]

Okay here's the link to the bulb, tell me if it will be good for them http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...1&keyword=red+bulb&storeId=10051#.UB1bvaAbBNQ

 

[clogan98]

That is a definite NO. It's not a red heat lamp. It's a 25 watt painted red light bulb.

 

[Nsampsel]

A regular 25 W household bulb, which is what the link is showing even tho it's red, won't produce enuf heat. There are people on here who will tell you you HAVE to use RED!!! I'm here to tell you, NO YOU DON'T. I have never used anything but a standard household 100W WHITE bulb & all of my babies have done FABULOUS. No feather picking, they sleep at night like normal chickens, NOT neurotic, etc. etc. etc. Just go buy yourself a 4 pack of 100W household bulbs for $1.25 at Wal-Mart & save a TON of money & headaches.

 

[clogan98]

Oh and I bought regular bulbs and painted them with craft enamel paint (enamel is for glass painting) for night lights too. MUCH cheaper!!!!!!

 

[Fluttershy]

Okay good thanks for the fast replies

I'll just get a white bulb then. We live right behind a Target and I got my incubator bulb there and it was fantastic! Thanks again!