Heat Lamp

[Bullwinkle]

Hi Truck:

It's hard to say what size bulb you should use since you did not specify how many chicks you are getting.

First, I avoid using a white bulb. With a red bulb you are likely to have less picking at each other. I definitely say get a red bulb.

If you are getting just 25 chicks and your room does not have a lot of drafts, I would recommend splitting the difference and going with a 125 Watt Red heat lamp. That would save money and help to prevent pecking.
I believe Tractor Supply has the 125 watt (at least last year my local one did).

Also... the red heat lamps that I use have a rated 'life' of 5000 hours average. I would hate to use a cheap bulb and have it burn out while at work and all the chicks pile/smoother each other.... just a thought....

I would also recommend using a thermometer the first time just to check temps (though normally their behavior will tell you if they are too warm or too cold.)

 

[Truck207]

I have a red 250W bulb right now, but I think it may be a little to much since it is not in an unheated building. I am pretty sure this bulb has a life rating of 5000 hours. I forgot to mention that I am getting 25 chicks plus the exotic chick. Again, thanks for all the help! Great Site!

 

[felidaet]

Last year I used a big steel water tub for a brooder. (A lot of feed stores use these for their chicks.) I had it in an attached insulated but unheated garage. One 250 watt bulb only brought the temperature to 80 degrees. I had to add a second 250 watt bulb. This year I am going to build a wood brooder with a lid. Hopefully this will hold the heat better and let me get away with one 250 watt heat lamp. I say "will build" because I am not getting my chicks until early April. I will builder the brooder sometime in the next 2 - 3 weeks. (I am finishing up another project first).

 

[Kiwibird]

I've used a 20 W bulb successfully with ducklings, with a hot water bottle as well for the first few nights. So I guess, try whatever you have around the house, using the same room and box that you intend using when its for real, and check the temperature, before you spend money on anything new. If its not warm enough, its time to shop.

I read somewhere that you should have two lamps, in case one burns out in the night. Your chances of success with ordinary incandescent bulbs are probably even better if you try this.