Fire Hazard...Help!

[IndigoChicken12]

I'm really worried about a fire starting in my brooder. Can a 250w red bulb set the pine shavings/paper towels on fire? (Even if it doesn't fall?) Does anybody know some QUICK alternatives, on the cheaper end? The Ecoglow brooder is not an option. It's pricy, and it would take too long to ship. Please help me! Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you so much!

 

[what did I do]

The Ecoglow is WONDERFUL for inside. How much would a fire set you back? They do ship fast too.

Many people use heat lamps without incident but they are a fire hazard. If the lamp heats enough to start a fire without contact, your chicks will die first.

I use my ecoglow inside and at times I use heat lamps. When using heat lamps I always check and double check it.

Heat lamps can overheat and kill chicks. I always keep an eye on the temperature under the heat lamp!

 

[Mtn Laurel]

I went to a 100 w red reptile bulb that I got at a pet store. However, you will have to place it closer to the chickens to get to the needed temp.

I would think that if you put a fireproof top on your brooder - such as a metal window screen or hardware cloth top - you would greatly reduce your risk of fire as it would prevent the lamp from falling into the brooder and onto the shavings and paper towels.

 

[RonC]

A 250w heat lamp is too much this time of year except in a very large area or possibly a really cold climate(Alaska maybe). You can use an ordinary incandescent bulb also. Any bulb should be securely mounted so as to produce the needed temperature for the chicks. Don't cook them till you are ready to eat them.

 

[IndigoChicken12]

My local feed store only had one red bulb, the 250w one. If I wanted to get a lower watt, would it be ok if it was white? Thanks everyone!

 

[PoultryGirly]

Here is what I use for a brooder: http://s1079.photobucket.com/user/C...003997FD443E_zpsd8b55240.jpg.html?sort=3&o=13

I put the heat lamp (90 watt) over the top so that the lamp can't fall on the chicks (it happened to me before )

 

[RonC]

I used a white heat lamp and had no issues. I was able to discontinue using a heat lamp at approximately 3 weeks. They simply stayed as far away from it as they could get at that age. Their brooder was indoor but the temp was only about 75 degrees. A draftless area might have a lot to do with it.