Heat in the brooder?

[OregonDan]

Well, this is my first attempt at raising chicks. I've built a brooder and I have a heat light hanging over it and the temp regulated to 90 degrees. I'm wondering if I could use a water bed heater on the floor of the brooder to keep them warm? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[gritsar]

If you're getting temps. of 90 degrees with the heat light I would stick with that.

 

[cmom]

They should be fine. I start mine out at 95 degrees the first week and decrease the temp 5 degrees each week. I put a wireless digital thermometer in the brooder so if for any reason my light goes out an alarm will sound if the temp gets below whatever temp I set the alarm for.

 

[Chicken Fruit]

I usually start my chicks at 85-90. I've wondered the same thing about bottom heating to replace the other- if for not other reason then because they wouldnt be inclined to peck eachother at all.

I'd just stick with the light though...

 

[Chicken Rustler]

I don't really know squat about chickens YET but I would not use the waterbed heater. If they don't have a large mass like water bed, to absorb the heat they will burn up.