Getting our first baby chicks.... eeek

[ThinkingChickens]

We went to the feed store (isn't this how the trouble usually starts) and saw the sign for baby chicks arriving. I turned to my hubby and he said "why not." So, we're getting three baby chicks. We got our current three girls when they were already fully feathered out and they went right outside. We have the pen set up, waterer and feeder, chick starter, etc. We'll use pine shavings for now. Now, should I get a red heat lamp bulb or clear? What's the difference. We'll be getting a lamp housing with clamp and thermometer. Anything else I need? I'm excited and nervous!

Oh, they'll be kept in the garage.

 

[Shanda]

I like to use red so it is not so bright at night. I had read somewhere that too much light for too long stresses them out. Mine have done great with a red heat light.

 

[GiddyMoon]

The red bulb hides wounds and anything red they might pick at with each other. We are in AZ so the red heat bulbs were just too much. We have been using 60 watt amber bulbs and it has been working fine. Depends on the air temp you are working with.

 

[ThinkingChickens]

Hmm, we live in California. I think we have about three more weeks with lower night temps (high 40's) and then it will start heating up. Of course the garage will be a little cooler. Interesting to hear about the red light hiding wounds.

 

[GiddyMoon]

It casts a reddish glow that helps hide the obvious red from blood. Many people don't use them though. I spent 40 years in CA< moved to AZ last year, we love it here. I would think you would probably do fine with a 75-100 watt amber bulb too. For teh first week I kept it around 90 or so and now it is in the mid 80s..everyone is doing well.