Lighting question

[tampitt]

We are using a red light to heat our brooder and a regular white light bulb to light it. How many hours a day do the chicks need to have the white light on? I was reading somewhere they said 22 hours of white light for the 1st week so the chicks will get to know where everything is. How many hours do I decrease the light to after the first week and there after?

 

[SpringChickens]

I never used a white light, just a red one. The red one will provide more than enough light for your chicks.

 

[Peeplperson]

I never had a white light. The red heat lamp gave enough light in my brooder (in the garage with windows). They had no trouble finding water and food and the occasional treat.

I don't think that both are necessary, and the red light is supposed to be less stressful to them.

The pro's will let us know.

Good luck & Welcome

 

[Peeplperson]

BTW, I think the 22 hours of white light is what factories use to get the most egg production from the caged chickens

 

[4-H chicken mom]

I use a 250wt. red bulb right from the beginning. It provides the heat and helps with pecking on one another. It is on 24/7, just raise it weekly until they don't need heat anymore. The red light is not intrusive, so the chicks can sleep just fine with it on.

 

[lunkerchicken]

I use a 250 watt red light and that is it. The only time I used a white light is when my red one blew up, I had to use one in a pinch. I went to the local feed store and had another 250 watt red light in the next day. They get plenty of warmth and enough light from the one bulb.