Heat lamp vs electric brooder

[avjudge]

After getting an initial batch of six, I seem to be brooding 3 to 4 chicks every other year to keep my numbers up. I brood in the mudroom, in a dog crate with cardboard twisty-tied to the sides to keep bedding and heat in and cat paws out.

So like you I only need to raise the temperature over a fairly small area to warm a few chicks. You didn’t state the temperature of the area where you will place your brooder, so I don’t know by how much you will need to raise the temperature.

But though my mudroom is chilly overnight (obviously less so in May when I get my chicks than it is now) I find that a 60 W incandescent bulb in a cheap clamp-on holder gives me all the heat I need. Since I have several stashed away after being replaced with LED bulbs for household lighting use, they are effectively free and I have never been able to justify any “fancier” equipment for brooding.

 

[FluffAndFeather]

After getting an initial batch of six, I seem to be brooding 3 to 4 chicks every other year to keep my numbers up. I brood in the mudroom, in a dog crate with cardboard twisty-tied to the sides to keep bedding and heat in and cat paws out.

So like you I only need to raise the temperature over a fairly small area to warm a few chicks. You didn’t state the temperature of the area where you will place your brooder, so I don’t know by how much you will need to raise the temperature.

But though my mudroom is chilly overnight (obviously less so in May when I get my chicks than it is now) I find that a 60 W incandescent bulb in a cheap clamp-on holder gives me all the heat I need. Since I have several stashed away after being replaced with LED bulbs for household lighting use, they are effectively free and I have never been able to justify any “fancier” equipment for brooding.

Thank you so much!!! The area I was going to keep them stays around 60 degrees as well

 

[Swiftchicks_13]

When I have chicks we use the brooder plate! For our brooder we use a storage tote/ tub with puppy pads (then move to shavings). If using a tub I recommend cutting a hole in the top then putting chicken wire over the hole so you can see in and easily check on the chicks. The brooder plate also allows chicks to move away if they need to just make sure there's enough room underneath for all the chicks.

 

[FluffAndFeather]

When I have chicks we use the brooder plate! For our brooder we use a storage tote/ tub with puppy pads (then move to shavings). If using a tub I recommend cutting a hole in the top then putting chicken wire over the hole so you can see in and easily check on the chicks. The brooder plate also allows chicks to move away if they need to just make sure there's enough room underneath for all the chicks.

Ok! Thank you so so much!

 

[duckmeister]

I prefer a small heatlamp, the electic brooders for a few birds are very small and chicks have to come out from under it into the cold to eat and drink. Also, it's unnaturally dark under the brooders and in my opinion hinders the growth and vitality of the chicks. After losing several home hatched chicks under the brooder, went back to heat lamps and have not lost a bird.

 

[FluffAndFeather]

I prefer a small heatlamp, the electic brooders for a few birds are very small and chicks have to come out from under it into the cold to eat and drink. Also, it's unnaturally dark under the brooders and in my opinion hinders the growth and vitality of the chicks. After losing several home hatched chicks under the brooder, went back to heat lamps and have not lost a bird.

Thank you so much! This was very helpful

 

[DuckDuckSook]

I've always used the Mama Heating Pad/Cave brooder method and it has worked well for me. It seems more natural, like a Mama hen. I found out about it on here and made my own with a heating pad, raised baking rack, bungee cords, and a pillowcase. The chicks go under it the first few days and then sometimes lay on top of it. Search on here for other ways people have made theirs if interested.

 

[FluffAndFeather]

I've always used the Mama Heating Pad/Cave brooder method and it has worked well for me. It seems more natural, like a Mama hen. I found out about it on here and made my own with a heating pad, raised baking rack, bungee cords, and a pillowcase. The chicks go under it the first few days and then sometimes lay on top of it. Search on here for other ways people have made theirs if interested.

DIY one! That’s cool, I’ll look into it. Thanks

 

[AGeese]

Hey y’all! I’m getting chicks for my first time and should I get a heat lamp or electric brooder? I am getting 1 small batch of 3 chicks, that’s it. I won’t get more until they die. Also other tips for first timers would be awesome

I prefer K&H brooders https://www.theisens.com/products/k-h-pet-products-thermopoultry-brooder

 

[FluffAndFeather]

I prefer K&H brooders https://www.theisens.com/products/k-h-pet-products-thermopoultry-brooder

Thank you!!