Is a heat lamp an absolute necessity? Just curious.

[sumu]

For no more than 4 chicks, could a 30 gal aquarium (with the right litter etc.) and one of those adhesive plug-in type reptile cage warmers that you stick to the underside work just as well to keep them warm? That way they can move away from it if they get too warm and they adjust to natural light. Under natural conditions, there is warmth, but there are no bright lights, only natural light. I have raised nestling parrots and lovebirds and that seemed to work quite well. I would also give them a soft toy or feather duster or some such to snuggle with. They all grew to be friendly well-adjusted pets.

If there is a hard and fast rule for the heat lamp, other than the obvious reasons for a large brood, I am curious as to why the reptile heater works for exotics but not chickens.

 

[Sorin]

Hello!
I can't say for sure if your Lizard heater will work or not, but I would not try it. Maybe someone has used this before and hey will ppe in, but I believe they will do better with a radiant heat. If you don't want to use a lamp you could try a ceramic heat emitter that hangs, I believe they use these for lizards as well and that is what I use for my babies. It plugs into a normal heat light socket. I have a red bulb in a clamp-on desk lamp I use for light and I shut it off at night time for a natural day/night cycle like you want, I do keep a night light on for them. I hope this helps but like I said, maybe an expert will come on and give you a definite answer.

 

[RonC]

I used a heating pad when mine were small. They did ok with it till I switched over to a heat lamp. If it provides a good warm spot for them it should work. Make sure and check the temp of the bedding in that area. Might mount the feather duster over the warm area to cut drafts. I know some people have used aquariums for brooders. They grow quickly and about 1-2 sq ft per bird till they are 4 weeks is recommended. You will need a ventilated cover after about the first week.

 

[Trefoil]

Any thing that provides the necessary heat and that they can get away from if necessary will work. I use heat lamps, especially outdoors because its easy to tell if they are working. But any heat source that you can regulate the temperature on would work.