Heat Lamp Cover

[creedatticus]

we got a heat lamp base for our chicks from our friends, and had to buy a new bulb, but the metal that goes around it is missing. is that a problem? it had been fine so far
here is a pic of the exposed heat lamp

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC.

I'm sorry, but that strikes me as a horribly unsafe installation.

Even more than the missing metal reflector and guard -- which gives no protection against anything or anyone contacting the bulb and getting burned, the clamp that comes with those lamps is notoriously weak and prone to failure. It's always recommended that the clamp be discarded and the lamp hung from a wire or a chain.

You can get a safe stand for the lamp from Premier 1: https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/heat-lamp-stand?criteria=heat+lamp+stand

Additionally, since this is clearly an indoor setup, you don't need the high heat of the 250w bulb. You need to have a portion of the brooder warm enough, but the chicks will actually be healthier if the rest of the brooder is significantly cooler.

May I suggest that you switch to a heat plate? While a properly secured heat lamp is not inherently unsafe, a brooder plate will be significantly safer in your situation.

I have this one, which has worked very well for me even brooding outdoors.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-brooder-and-coop-heater

 

[creedatticus]

Welcome to BYC.

I'm sorry, but that strikes me as a horribly unsafe installation.

Even more than the missing metal reflector and guard -- which gives no protection against anything or anyone contacting the bulb and getting burned, the clamp that comes with those lamps is notoriously weak and prone to failure. It's always recommended that the clamp be discarded and the lamp hung from a wire or a chain.

You can get a safe stand for the lamp from Premier 1: https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/heat-lamp-stand?criteria=heat+lamp+stand

Additionally, since this is clearly an indoor setup, you don't need the high heat of the 250w bulb. You need to have a portion of the brooder warm enough, but the chicks will actually be healthier if the rest of the brooder is significantly cooler.

May I suggest that you switch to a heat plate? While a properly secured heat lamp is not inherently unsafe, a brooder plate will be significantly safer in your situation.

I have this one, which has worked very well for me even brooding outdoors.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-brooder-and-coop-heater

i looped the wire over our shower head, so if the clip fails it will still hang in the same spot.