Heat Lamps in Brooder

[AAcres]

So I've been reading conflicting information about heat lamps for ducklings. I've read sources that say if its summer, or if your house is warm enough that they don't really need a heat lamp in the brooder. Other sources say that they need a heat lamp for the first two to three weeks.
Could anyone help me out here?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You will want your brooder to be 85-90 degrees the first week. 5 degrees less each week until you reach ambient temperature. So the warmer it is in or out, the less heat you will need. By 4-5 weeks most ducklings are fine without heat.

 

[Jpat]

i put my brooder up to 95-99 for ducklings that are a few hours old for the first few days then like @oldhenlikesdogs seys.

They NEED that warmth to develope and for comfort

 

[AAcres]

Is a 100W infrared heat lamp too much?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is a 100W infrared heat lamp too much?

It shouldn't be. I always set up my light to make sure I can heat under the light to 85-90 that first week. The colder the ambient temperature of where you are brooding the bigger the bulb needed. I use a 125 watt white heat bulb personally.

 

[AAcres]

It shouldn't be. I always set up my light to make sure I can heat under the light to 85-90 that first week. The colder the ambient temperature of where you are brooding the bigger the bulb needed. I use a 125 watt white heat bulb personally.

Does the white heat bulb emit light? Do you turn it off at night for darkness for them?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I do not turn it off. I see no problem with it. My chicks can eat 24/7 and nap whenever they want. I generally get them outside their first week, so usually I just run the light at night.

Despite what others claim my chicks aren't hopped up on too much light. Generally I only use a bulb for 4 weeks because I get my chicks a bit later so it's warmer here.

 

[AAcres]

I'm in Canada and its still pretty cold here during the day/night. Hoping it warms up soon!

 

[Jpat]

iam in NS, Not alot of canadians here its nice to see.another northerner

i meant to mention that if your using a tote or something with a thin bottom then what you out it on will affect the temp, like a cold basement floor or concrete, itll draw the heat out the bottom

 

[AAcres]

iam in NS, Not alot of canadians here its nice to see.another northerner

i meant to mention that if your using a tote or something with a thin bottom then what you out it on will affect the temp, like a cold basement floor or concrete, itll draw the heat out the bottom

I'm in Northern Ontario!
I plan on using a rubbermaid container in my basement or garage...both have concrete floors (basement is unfinished atm). Any recommendations for bedding?