Light for heat at night?

[229Mick]

I was told that I can use a 100w bulb for heat with my brand new chicks (that arrived early) seeing that it should be 90°, but as I'm rushing through my 'dummies' book, I see that they should have 10 hours of dark and 14 of light. So I'm not to sure what to do about the light I'm using to heat their current home.

Should I turn it off at night at this point?

Any input is MUCH appreciated!

Mick

 

[fried green eggs]

I have new chicks in a large plastic bin in our spare bathroom. I keep the door closed to the room so, no AC and only use the 250 watt brooder light at night and it's 4' above them. The room stays warm enough during the day so, I turn off the light in the morning. Hope this helps. Red tinted lights are prefered

 

[229Mick]

Hmm, so it sounds like the issue may be the white light rather than the red? I tried covering it with a metal cover that would radiate the heat, and they started freaking out as soon as it got dark, so now I'm really confused! Thanks for your input though!

Mick

 

[Imp]

For little chicks the heat is more important than the light. But you can turn off the light if it is a warm enough room. Red light is sometimes considered better than white (it is supposed to reduce pecking), but many people use either. And I believe most people brooding indoors leave the light on 24/7. Especially as a lot of people brood in the early spring, when it is cooler.
If the chicks cheep a lot and loudly, that is a sign they are uncomfortable.

Imp- I leave the light on 24/7 for the first few weeks.

 

[229Mick]

OK, good info, so there being light on all the time won't keep them up or make them crazy or anything?

 

[Imp]

OK, good info, so there being light on all the time won't keep them up or make them crazy or anything?

No, Won't make them crazy or anything.

Imp- if only the same applied to us owners.

 

[229Mick]

Yea, but we need a little crazy! Thanks again!

Mick