Heat Lamp, a Dimmer Switch & Ducklings

[OldGuy43]

On March 7th OldGal and I will be driving over to Ideal Poultry to pick up our 12 new ducklings. When I went looking for a heat lamp bulb at WalMart the only one I found was 250 watts. I'm reasonably convinced that will put out to much heat. Has anyone ever used a dimmer with one to reduce the heat output? How did it work out for you?

 

[jdywntr]

I haven't used a dimmer in a brooder but my experience with incandescent bulbs and dimmers is that they seem to blow quicker.
Can you just put the lamp further away?

The 250 W will put off a LOT of heat and increase fire hazard.

I had a 120 w bulb about 18" from the floor outside in 50 degree temps and I had to raise it because it was close to 100 degrees under it. That was in realatively open air (3 sides closed, front open)