I know that I am supposed to start day-old chicks at 95F for the 1st week and then decrease the temperature by 5 degrees each week. My question is how do I decrease the temperature in the brooder if I just have have a 100 watt bulb or a 250 watt bulb or whatever watt bulb? Thanks, AJ
Go get a 60 watt bulb. I didnt start mine with a 250, it was waaaaay too hot. I used a 60, and they were all very happy with it. But then again, its 70 outside, not 20.
If there in a heated home or room id just put the lamp at what makes them comphy, we never adjust are lamps(100 watt)in a heated room or 250 if in the unheated basment until we see them move away from the lighted area in the brooder, start at about 18" away from brooder floor.. they either go to the center of it (to cold)or out to the outside of it (to hot). when there running around being chicks you know there happy. Of course there always seem to be a cry baby in the bunch.... in these cold temps here you can never get them down to match the cold temps with a lamp. so rule thumb once fully featherd 6-8 weeks there ready for a nice cozy coop.... remember chicks coming out of a bator need the temp about the same 99.5 +/- to start brooding.
Yep, it's always important to keep an eye on how the peeps are reacting to the light. If they seem content, then they are. If peeping, and panting, then it's to warm and you need to back off the lights. Peeps that sprawl and sleep after eating and drinking are good to go! :aww bigzio
