Heat Lamp

[kathyandkasey]

How far from the chicks should the heat lamp be?

 

[patandchickens]

Far enough not to catch the bedding or anything else on fire (seriously -- and for a 250w heatlamp bulb, this means 18" or more)... aside from that, whatever distance it takes. You may have to experiment with height and bulb wattage til you find an arrangement that gives a large enough (but not too large) area of the right temperature. Before you get the chicks, you can check with a thermometer or your hand; once you have chicks, you can go by their behavior.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Young MacDonald]

We adjusted the lamp's height based on the behavior of the chicks. If they are panting, it's too close. If they are all snuggled up together, it's too far away. If they are spread out like a carpet when they sleep, then it's just right. Ours are now 3 weeks old and it's worked.

 

[m2wandc]

I also find it easier to 'feel comfy' with what you're seeing the chicks do when you have a back up, aka a temp gauge in the brooder to give you an idea of the temp...