Heat Lamp Distance

[tenderkat]

Hello.........

I just got my 8 week old pullets a few days ago. So far, they have done great out in their makeshift chicken shed. Tonight, the temps are dropping to the upper 30's, so I'll be putting out their heat lamp for the first time.

My question is this:

How close is too close to the pine shavings on the floor? I have it hanging approximately 4 feet above ground. I just turned it on, so it hasn't quite gotten all the way hot yet. There is plenty of room for my chicks to move away from the heat source, so I'm not concerned about them burning up. I just don't know if this is too close to the shavings. If it means anything, the shavings are about 5 inches deep.

Any advice? I'll go out there again shortly and check it, but is this too close?

Thanks again for all of your experience and wisdom!!!!!

 

[Steve B]

I think you are fine. You would probably be fine at 2 feet or more - just a guess however.

 

[ging3rhoffman]

I wouldnt think that 8 week olds would need a heat lamp. When i took the heat lamp away i put in a little night light until they learned to get on the roost. They will be scared of the dark and huddle on the floor in a corner the first night or two.