Is it ok if my brooder heat light is on the side?

[MightyT]

Its on the side and low to the ground

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

No. You want it elevated so it can't be broke, and so chicks don't get burnt by it. It should be at least 12-16 inches away or more. Some hot bulbs can shatter at the slightest touch which is a fire hazard.

 

[MightyT]

what if I cover it with chicken mesh?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

what if I cover it with chicken mesh?

Still too low to be safe, but they are your birds. What wattage is your bulb? Unless it's 60 or less it will be way too hot anyways.

 

[MightyT]

Its 55. Thanks for the info. I'll do my best to move it to the top.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Put a thermometer under it or directly in front of it to see what temperature it is.

On it's side can make it harder for chicks to get away from the direct heat if necessary too.

Definitely don't let birds come in direct contact with the bulb for safety reasons. Heat lamps can start fires if used incorrectly. For smaller brooders a heat plate might be a better safer option.

 

[rosemarythyme]

When you say "on the side" do you mean the lamp is lying on its side, or that it's on one side of the brooder? Having it on one side of the brooder is a good idea. Having it lying on its side is not how they're meant to function and the housing can get dangerously hot.

 

[FlyWheel]

Ask yourself, "is the chicken mesh fine enough to catch all the glass splinters that will result from the shattering bulb?"

Take my advice; dump the bulb and make yourself a Mama Heating Pad (or buy one of the commercial ones). I almost killed my flock and burned down my garage with those devil heat bulbs.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...d-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update.956958/