Light-bulbs for chicks.

[jokerhorse]

Ok, so I came home today and checked on my babies that I have had for about 2 weeks and the temp in their box was 110. I freaked out. They are all alright, much to my relief. I took out the red heat lamp bulb and replaced it with a 60 watt bulb. It seems to be keeping the temp at around 90. My question is will the white bulb burn their little eyes out? A lady I work with said to never put chicks under a white light because it will blind them, but she has said she doesn't know anything about chickens multiple times before, so, my chicken loving brethren, help me please.

 

[scbatz33]

the reason for using the red bulbs is it cuts down on feather picking. I've never heard of it blinding any??? You can buy red bulbs of different wattage at pet supply stores like petsmart. they keep them in the reptile section. They are not cheap.

 

[Judy]

It won't blind them but it will discourage them from sleeping. A red ordinary light bulb would be better if you can find one, perhaps a party bulb. If not, the white will be fine. If they are indoors they won't need a light after a couple more weeks anyway.

 

[ChrisF452]

I raised my batch of chicks last year in a brooder with 60 watt light bulb. No problems and it certainly didn't blind any of them. This year I'm using a 100 watt red bulb (Petsmart, in the reptile section, $10.00) for my new babies. I don't notice any big difference in the behavior between the two groups, but I've read that the red light is less stressful and discourages feather picking.

 

[NonnasBabies]

You can also get a 85 watt red heat lamp bulb from Wal-Mart. That's the only size bulb I've used inside in my brooders!!

 

[smcdon]

I have never used a red light bulb and all of my chicks have turned out fine. I use the cheap 60 watt bulbs and it seems to do the job.

 

[Imp]

I have never had a problem with either sleeping or pecking with a white light. I lean towards that being an old wives tale.

Imp

 

[A.T. Hagan]

As do I. I've never used anything but a white bulb (preferably frosted) except for the few times I've felt the need to use the big 250 watters. Never had a problem with my chicks so far as sleeping is concerned.

When they reach 5-6 weeks old they no longer need the heat so I turn the lights off at night after that.

 

[Noymira]

Anyone use a bulb like this? I have a hanging light kit leftover from something else, but no shield for it, do I need one to direct the heat downwards?

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3876122&lmdn=Reptile#RatingsDetail

 

[Minniechickmama]

A.T. Hagan :

As do I. I've never used anything but a white bulb (preferably frosted) except for the few times I've felt the need to use the big 250 watters. Never had a problem with my chicks so far as sleeping is concerned.

When they reach 5-6 weeks old they no longer need the heat so I turn the lights off at night after that.

It depends on where you live and where you put your birds. If I had 5-6 week olds right now, there is no way I would put them out in the garage even at night with no heat.​