NEED INFO NOW What temp under brooder light?

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I got my thermometer under the light and it's reading 123 degrees and rising...I have the light (250 watt red light) set up about 29 inches above where the chicks will be. Does the area right under the bulb need to be 95 degrees or the whole box? At the other side of the box it's cooler but I'm worried if the chicks go right under the lamp they will get too hot. I get my chicks on Friday so I need to know what to do asap. Thanks!

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Under the light should be 95 degrees. Then cooler as you get away from it so they can cool off if they want. Adjust your lamp by raising or lowering it to get your temp. Once your chicks arrive just watch them. If they huddle together under the lamp they are to cold. If they are spread out all over things are good.

 

[Chirpy]

The 95 degrees should be the warmest spot in the box. That gives the chicks the opportunity to get away from the heat if they want to cool down.

As Farmer Kitty said - just watch your chicks. If they are all huddled under the heat lamp then they are too cold. If they are all far from the lamp, then they are too hot. There should be some chicks under the light and some on the other side of the box - they should be moving around the box unless they are sleeping.

 

[ScottK]

I don't believe your thermometer. I would reposition it so the sensor is not getting a direct hit.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I had to have my light higher than that when I set it up and it is out in the back barn with outside temps at the time in the 60's.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Also if this is in the house you don't need that 250 heatlamp bulb...a 100 or 75 watt bulb (plain old houselight bulb) will do just fine...

the 95 is to be right under the lamp and plenty of room for them to get away if needed....