How to reduce temps in brooder?

[minou33]

Our chicks are approaching one week and we will start reducing the heat in the brooder by 5 degrees. However, the red infrared heat lamp we use doesn't allow for us to control temp settings. It is currently clipped onto the side of the rubbermaid. The brooder is in a spare bedroom and we don't have any place to hang it above the coop. Any ideas of ways we can begin distancing the heat lamp without becoming a fire risk?

 

[R2elk]

Our chicks are approaching one week and we will start reducing the heat in the brooder by 5 degrees. However, the red infrared heat lamp we use doesn't allow for us to control temp settings. It is currently clipped onto the side of the rubbermaid. The brooder is in a spare bedroom and we don't have any place to hang it above the coop. Any ideas of ways we can begin distancing the heat lamp without becoming a fire risk?

You have two choices. Raise the lamp higher or use a lower wattage bulb.

There are a number of different ways to raise the lamp that don't include attaching a mount to the ceiling. One way that I can think of is to clamp the lamp onto a step ladder or even a chair positioned next to the brooder.

 

[Kgbao]

Ok here is my redneck way of doing this, it’s simple but effective. I am also using a rubber maid tote at the moment.

If you have a piece of lumber or broom handle or something similar and screw gun and a couple of wood screws your all set. I’ll let the picture explain it’s easier.

It’s only stupid if it don’t work. So no laughing at my make shift temp adjuster lol.

I move the heat lamp up and down the 2x4 all day keeping my temp as close to 85 as I can.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I use a plug in dimmer available at Wal-Mart and Amazon and maybe Hardware stores.
You plug dimmer into outlet, then plug heat lamp cord into dimmer.

GC

 

[Kgbao]

I use a plug in dimmer available at Wal-Mart and Amazon and maybe Hardware stores.
You plug dimmer into outlet, then plug heat lamp cord into dimmer.View attachment 2076215
GC

Love it again didn’t think of this.. does dimmer have high enough rating to run a heat lamp, so no fire hazard?

 

[GC-Raptor]

Love it again didn’t think of this.. does dimmer have high enough rating to run a heat lamp, so no fire hazard?

Yes it's rated for 300 watts.
I have this one. It has a red light showing it has power.

They have a cheaper one without a light.

GC

 

[rosemarythyme]

FYI: do NOT rely on the clamp only to keep the lamp in place, the clamps are famous for failing. Safest way to secure a traditional heat lamp is to use the clamp, along with the hanging loop at the back of the lamp and possibly the cord as well.

And to reduce heat I just reduced wattage of the bulb. The "standard" 250 watt bulb that most feed stores carry is way too hot for a small group of chicks/inside home environment.

 

[qopt]

Yes it's rated for 300 watts.
I have this one. It has a red light showing it has power.View attachment 2076277View attachment 2076280
They have a cheaper one without a light.View attachment 2076285View attachment 2076288
GC

I have this same exact dimmer for my heat lamp and it works great! Keeps the heat down and also takes away the light, so by the time they’re ready for the coop they won’t be so freaked out by the dark at night time. I also think it’s safer then raising the lamp since there’s no choice of it falling, and you can also be more specific about the heat with the dimmer.

 

[Kgbao]

Yes it's rated for 300 watts.
I have this one. It has a red light showing it has power.View attachment 2076277View attachment 2076280
They have a cheaper one without a light.View attachment 2076285View attachment 2076288
GC

Thanks, I went looking for the one you use by the part number on the tag but even google wouldn’t pull that part number up.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Thanks, I went looking for the one you use by the part number on the tag but even google wouldn’t pull that part number up.

It's available on Amazon. That's where I snapped these Pics. The part numbers are in the description at the top.

GC