Heat bulb for bobwhite quail chicks?

[Kayla1baker]

I have 2 bobwhites due to hatch next week I picked up their heat lamp and picked up 250watt bulbs should these be okay! Also wondering if I can use draw liner for the bedding as I'm worried paper towel wont br good enough for their feet!?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

IMHO, that will be way too hot. Especially if you are planning on using a Rubbermaid tote.
Depening on your ambient temperature, 75-100 watts should be sufficient.
I bet if you hang the 250W over the side of the container, the temp will be as much as 150F+.
I put a thermometer in the bottom of a tote with a 250W lamp and the mercury thermometer exploded.

 

[Kayla1baker]

Thank you for your response!!! What do you suggest I get for the babys hatching!?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If you are brooding in a large space outdoors you can use the 250 but if they are going to be indoors or anywhere the ambient temperature is above 70F, I would use a 75 or 100 watt ceramic heat emitter like is used for reptiles. Pet stores carry them but they are cheaper on e-bay.
Keep in mind, you are only trying to create a small space that is 90-95F. The entire space doesn't need to be that warm. Mama quail will hatch chicks in some brush and the only warm space is under the hen.
Again, it depends on the size of the space. All galliformes need a warm space and a cool space and it is difficult to provide that in a small tub - even with tiny quail chicks.
Keep the smaller heat source at one end so they can find their comfort zone.

 

[Kayla1baker]

Thank you so much!!! Appericate you taking your time to help, very nervous!
I have a large storage container they will be going in , any advice is appreciated thanks again

 

[Kiki]

A heating pad will work too.
Return that heat lamp, for sure.

 

[Kayla1baker]

A heating pad will work too.
Return that heat lamp, for sure.

What kind how of heating pad is best!?

 

[Kiki]

You don't want to cook them...just give them a little place/spot to warm up in.
A regular old school light bulb from one of your lamps would work.

 

[Kiki]

What kind how of heating pad is best!?

One that doesn't have an automatic turn off option is easier if you are going to be away from home for more than an a couple of hours.

Otherwise one that does have the automatic turn off feature will work if you are there to turn it back on every few hours.

 

[Kayla1baker]

One that doesn't have an automatic turn off option is easier if you are going to be away from home for more than an a couple of hours.

Otherwise one that does have the automatic turn off feature will work if you are there to turn it back on every few hours.

I'd be lost without you guys! Thank you! Going to try and find a good heating pad tomorrow