Help...Chicks and heat lamps

[Katiekelley2371]

I have 5 new baby chicks 3 Lavender Orpingtons and 2 Black silkies, they are absolutely precious. They are currently in a smaller plastic tub (I read it was okay to use) but I will be upgrading when they get a little bigger( they are 5 days old). Anyways, I have a heat lamp which I got from tractor supply mounted over the tub but I only have it mainly offset to the corner because I am so worried of them getting to hot or too cold. Is there any “safer” alternative to a heat lamp or does anyone have some tips on heat lamps and placement in general? We have adult chickens but have never raised chicks. Thank you!

 

[rebeccaH86]

I used my incubator lid as a heater on one side of the tub I had mine in until they got bigger ,now my incubator is in use again .

 

[casportpony]

A safer alternative is a brooder heat plate. Google Brinsea EcoGlow and Premiere brooder plate.

 

[casportpony]

I just found this:
https://morningchores.com/best-chick-brooder-heating-plate/

 

[Katiekelley2371]

Okay I will look into one, thank you! I just went and checked on them and they seemed to be doing fine, they aren’t directly under the light but they also aren’t huddled together.

 

[casportpony]

You can make the lamp work, but not can they be dangerous.

 

[crowber]

I did the mama heat pad (there's a giant thread on it here somewhere) and it was great. Definitely better than a heat lamp and safer. Way more natural than a light. But if I had to do it again I would buy the brooder plate heater since it would be easier to keep clean.

 

[Rose Quartz]

A normal light works. I have a 60 watt incandescent in there. It's super easy wiring and plugs into the wall.

I have kids, and cats that like to sit on top so the hanging light was only used inside for the first day after hatch.

 

[casportpony]

This was posted yesterday:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/thanks-for-all-the-information.1377111/