Infared vs Heat Lamp

[HokiFarmer]

Should I use a Heat Lamp or a Infared light for my brooder? Please explain your answer, thanks.

 

[ChickenGrass]

I think inferred lamp
Because it isn't as bright of a light.
Red is a warmer colour and it is different
And it is easier to see where it is because the area is red.
I think the chicks are attracted to it more for these reasons.

 

[lazy gardener]

I would use neither. Both are a harsh and un-natural heating method compared to this: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update

 

[Pork Pie]

There's also the brooders made by companies such as Brinsea, for example, that do the same job. I use one (not Brinsea) and find it does a great job.

 

[ChickenGrass]

I have a 2 brinsea heat pads and another one.
The two brinsea are for 25 chicks and the other one is for 50 chicks.
Eletric hens are the best I never used heat lamp

 

[lazy gardener]

Yep, Brinsea is an option: their smaller model:
SKU: USHD500
Dimensions: 16x3x11
Weight: 3.00
In stock
Regular Price: $94.99
On Sale For: $84.99


versus: a bit of red/neck or MacGuyver ingenuity and SunbeamXPress XL for less than 1/2 the price.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunbeam-2013...r=1-1-spons&keywords=sunbeam+heating+pad&th=1

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I'm a fan of the brooder plate, too - works great for chicks and ducklings. I started with a heat lamp and won't use one again after using the brooder plate.

 

[Isaac 0]

I would use the Mama brooder heater.They get to experience natural day time,And less of a fire hazard.

 

[FlyWheel]

I would use neither. Both are a harsh and un-natural heating method compared to this: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update

There's also the brooders made by companies such as Brinsea, for example, that do the same job. I use one (not Brinsea) and find it does a great job.

+1 on either, although the DYI MHP costs only 1/5th as much.

 

[dekel18042]

I think inferred lamp
Because it isn't as bright of a light.
Red is a warmer colour and it is different
And it is easier to see where it is because the area is red.
I think the chicks are attracted to it more for these reasons.

There re pros and cons to whatever you use. I think the IFR gives a better light for the babies to sleep at night which might be a consideration. I also have the Brinsea heater which is super. The babies can go under it. You don't have to keep a light on, but it doesn't hold as many as it says and the babies, unless bantams, quickly outgrow it. It can be placed on it's side if that happens and still provide heat. Usually the babies like to jump on it getting poop on it hat needs to be cleaned off although I did make some disposable covers to use when that happens.