Homemade hatcher question? What watt light bulb do I use?

[Smokin Silkies]

I need to make something for when my chicks hatch. I was going to use a stryofoam cooler, but what wattage light bulb should I use? I'm only getting a small cooler because at the most, I should have 15 peeps. They will only be in there for the 1st few days, maybe a week then moved to the bigger one I have....it currently has chicks in it that can be moved outside soon.

I have looked online and even on here, but after the first 20 pages, I gave up. Thanks

 

[AngieChick]

I have 2 60 watt bulbs in my bator, but it's a big one. So, I would think that 1 60 watt would be plenty. I suggest experimenting a bit.

 

[Glenda L Heywood]

put a thermometer in there and test the amount of heat
ofcourse remembering the chicks will add some heat from their bodies
make sure if leaving them even a week they will need large enough room
the tem should be 98 degrees first week then drop 5 degrees each week
surely the styrofoam ice chest can't be that expensive
it needs to be large enough for them to have a feeder and waterer and plenty of room to lay down
crowding chicks is really asking for problems

 

[Smokin Silkies]

No, the styrofoam coolers are not that much. They have enough room to move around and for feeder/waterer. I wouldn't put them in a place to where the were stepping on top of each other. I just meant that I didn't get one of those huge coolers. Thanks for the help everybody!

 

[Chicky Tocks]

I have a 25 watt bulb in mine and it keeps things nice and toasty.