Is it ok to use a desk lamp instead of a heating lamp

[candychick]

i got four chicks for a broody hen and long story short one was rejected and i don't have a heat lamp for it so im using a desk lamp...the chick has been in it all day and seems fine, its so hot i can barely touch it...do you think its ok?

 

[ellie32526]

i got four chicks for a broody hen and long story short one was rejected and i don't have a heat lamp for it so im using a desk lamp...the chick has been in it all day and seems fine, its so hot i can barely touch it...do you think its ok?

I would only use it until I could get a proper heat lamp. The desk lamp is just not designed to be used that way, not saying it won't work in a pinch, but the bright light might keep the chick from sleeping properly, it also might get too hot and pose a fire hazard. You could also use a heating pad under a towel in a pinch but I wouldn't recommend a long term basis of that either. Lots of us make due in an emergency and the chickens make the best of it, but you should really invest in the proper equipment for them.

 

[crazyhen]

Please buy a heat lamp with a ceramic fixture. You do not want the light socket to melt. Most lights are not suppose to be kept on constantly. They will be a fire hazzard. Most lights will do in a pinch but are not ideal and not safe for a long period. Many chicken coops have burned due to improper equipment.

 

[cyndee66]

I had the correct fixture and bulb, so I felt like I was hedging my bets the best I could. I was still a little uncomfortable leaving the light on in the house while we slept and when I wasn't home. Everything went fine and we moved the light outside to the coop when the chicks went to live in the big girl house. We're in Colorado and it is still getting really cold at night. For safety and peace of mind, it was worth the money to me.

 

[candychick]

ok i will try to get one this weekend thanks