Just hatched Baby Chick

[jshimko]

would a infrared heat lamp 75 watt work

 

[rosemarythyme]

250W is way too hot especially in a small area. The reptile bulb should work fine, I swapped in a 60 or 75W reptile bulb (preferably no light, they have ceramic ones that only emit heat, but if no other option one that emits light is ok too) for the red 250W and it was much more tolerable for me and the chicks. If you have a thermometer you want the ambient temperature under the bulb to be roughly at 90-95F if the chick is under a week old.

Other alternative that works very well: if you have a heating pad withOUT an auto shut off, you can wrap that in a towel, pillow case, or Glad Press N Seal, and let the chick press against that for heat. You won't need to check the ambient temperature in a set up like that.

 

[jshimko]

I went to the per store and got a daylight blue reptile bulb that is 60 watt and a digital thermometer...the light is keeping it close to 93 degrees

 

[WoDia]

My suggestion… a cardboard box. Securely mount the light above one end to allow the chick to choose warmer or cooler areas to avoid being overheated or chilled. Monitor the heat lamp area with the thermometer. I don’t use birdcages for chicks, because they have open sides and can’t retain a warm enough constant temperature for a teeny chick. Aside from chickens, turkeys and quail, I also raise budgies, conures, and cockatiels. They’re in wire-sided birdcages… but in a temperature-controlled room, and the hens brood their chicks in little wooden nesting boxes mounted to the inside walls of the cages away from drafts and temperature changes. Good wishes being sent your way for your little chick!