Heat Lamp (Red vs. White)

[ScrmnWoody]

I have seen both white and red heat lamps used for brooding chicks. Any opinions on which is better and why? Any particular wattage that seems to work best?

 

[JenMT]

I still use a 250 watt red lamp and my girls are 6.5 weeks old (they are outside). Red lights are usually a bit more expensive than a white heat bulb. I have not had any trouble with aggression or pecking at all. I have heard and read chickens are more calm with the red light. What do you more experienced say?

 

[Robin'sBrood]

img/smilies/smile.png" alt="smile" />">https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=146791

 

[ScrmnWoody]

Quote:
Thanks. I missed that in my search. That helps.

 

[lisahaschickens]

without checking the provided link, I believe the main thought behind the red light is that it makes it harder for them to see blood. If a chick gets injured or peck and there is blood, if the others see it, they go crazy and can often kill the bleeding chick/chicken. The red light makes it so they can't see the blood as well and helps prevent that from happening.

 

[Ms~Silkie~Girl]

I like red lights better. I've read chicken books, information on the internet and they say you should use red lets, it prevents picking

~hope it helped~

 

[cmom]

I have used both. When they are babies I really didn't noticed any differance. The white light didn't seem to bother them. They still ate, slept ans pooped. There is a picture on my BYC Page of my brooder and light. Also, there is a BYC thread with brooders and most use white lights.

 

[cmom]

Here is a thread with tons of pics of many BYC members brooders. Enjoy.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=6233