Heat lamp and Ecoglow... am I doing it wrong?

[scootchick]

I brought home day old chicks from the feed store yesterday and it was unseasonably cold (40s) outside. I have the brooder set up in my garage. I had the Ecoglow running but they didn't really seem to "get it" right away, so I set up the heat lamp that I intended to use as a back up and they've been happy. The Ecoglow is on but they've been hanging out near/under the heat lamp.

I am terrified of the heat lamp causing a fire and want to use the Ecoglow exclusively. Temps are up in the 60s outside during the days now. Should I phase them off of the heat lamp after the next couple of days, should I wait until they're a week old, or just turn off the lamp during the day and leave it off? I'm afraid to shock their little systems (there's only 4 of them) but going to check the heat lamp 20 times a day isn't going to work long term either.

Any advice on making the transition?

 

[Lanicus]

What kind of bedding are you using? Also, how close is the heat lamp to the ground. I have only used a heat lamp and have never had any fire problems. If the chicks are just a few days old they still need high temps to stay warm

 

[scootchick]

I'm using pine shavings and the lamp is about 12" from the backs of the chicks. I admit to being overly paranoid about the heat lamp, I just want to transition them to the Ecoglow.

 

[Farmer Viola]

I use an ecoglow! I would lower it really really low since they are so young. they will want to squish themselves up against it, they'll fall asleep standing up with their heads and backs touching the ecoglow if it's low enough. I have the larger 50 chick brooder and I am able to lower 1 side very low and the other slightly elevated to give a gradient of heat rather than all hot.

I put the ecoglow in the corner of the brooder. and I also build up the flooring in the back corner with an old dish towel or 2, folded and leaning against the wall of the brooder. they like to feel all snuggly and secure like they were under a mother hen, so I try to create that when they're very little.

the area outside the ecoglow is their cool down area, so it's important not to heat that area too. good luck! post pics!