heat problem!

[Rainstorm]

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:dunno I use one of those 40 gallon blue storage containers as a brooder, which would be plenty big for 2 ducklings till big enough to go in an outside brooder, and I used a simpe white/clear 100watt bulb, same for outside to But i put it in the pen where they can go to it/leave it if they want

 

[geosheets]

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That's what I use when I only have a few ducklings and don't need to heat as big of an area. Are you in the UK?

 

[CityChicker]

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That sounds like a really good idea. The bulbs you posted the link to, the Heat Glo red bulbs, are the same ones I use. They make them in several different wattages.

 

[688peterl]

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That sounds like a really good idea. The bulbs you posted the link to, the Heat Glo red bulbs, are the same ones I use. They make them in several different wattages.

which watt bulb should i use for just 2 ducklings?

 

[CityChicker]

It depends on how warm the room is, the size of the tote, how close the light is, etc....

I use the 150 watts a lot, but I also have some of the 75 watts. I usually start with the higher watt bulb and start raising it up a little every 5-6 days. At about 4-5 weeks, I switch to a lower wattage bulb.

The general rule of thumb is to start out with the brooder temp being about 92-95 degrees and to drop it about 5 degrees per week until the heat is no longer needed. Go by the behavior of your ducklings though as well. If they are huddled tight together right under the light, they might be too cold. If they are spread out away from the light, they might be too warm. Use that as a gauge.

 

[Opa]

Any time of light with a reflector will work. You will need a thermometer to monitor the temperature and you will need to raise or lower the light as need to control the temperature.

 

[688peterl]

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Im going to be brooding the ducks in my bedroom so it will be pretty warm anyway, btw how long to ducks have to in a brooder for? i thought it was only like 5/6 weeks?

 

[688peterl]

I just changed my mind again! im going to use a portable cot/crib/playpen as the brooder, ive seen one really cheap so im gonna buy it, its perfect, it has mesh windows on the sides and a padded floor (which im still adding shavings too)