How much HEAT?

[stand4freedom]

I'm new at this Chicken thing. Made a Brooder out of an old horse water trough, put in wood shavings, feeder and water and a heat lamp. I had one that was 250 Watts and gave off a red light? They are new chicks, 6 of them, so CUTE, and we are getting our coop ready ...so by end of May or early June they can go outside in the coop? Is 250 watts too much? I would hate to run my electric bill through the roof, but was just wondering? thanks all

 

[Eggcessive]

You should have a thermometer on the floor where the lamp is shining directly down. Don't put it less that 18 inches above the chick level. Have a hot spot and a cool spot where they can get to if they are too hot. (90 degrees until a week old, then decrease by 5 degrees each week. At 6-7 weeks if they are feathered out they should be weaned off heat and can go outside.

 

[stand4freedom]

Thanks for the info!

 

[stand4freedom]

"O" degrees then decrease after that? Did you mean to say 100 degrees?

 

[Mtn Laurel]

"O" degrees then decrease after that? Did you mean to say 100 degrees?

I think they meant 90 degrees. Note they had a "(" where the 9 would be. Believe it's just a typo as everything I've read say's 90 degrees.

 

[Eggcessive]

Yep, I meant 90 degrees. I edited my post above.

 

[stand4freedom]

Yes the ( is a dead giveaway where they meant 90 - thanks all!