New chicks and light

[dlaciv12]

The first 6 have arrived! I am curious about how much light to give them. We are using a 250 watt red lamp but I don't know if they need additional light during the night. If they do how much? We don't actually have anything in the house that isn't a CFL or energy star bulb, will that be OK?
Thanks!
Newbie Dave

 

[cobrien]

the light you have is enough for lighting, but they need heat as well. you want it to be 95 degrees in there for the first week then 5 degrees cooler per week. if you don't have a thermometer, use your judgement - your hand should feel warm but not hot in there. if the chicks pile up under the light they are too cold. if they sleep far from the light it may be too hot in there.

they need light/heat at night too, when they are babies.

 

[Huny]

I think it depends on the amount of space with the amount of heat. I killed four babies in a small box with a 75 watt bulb, and I have a 250 watt bulb outside off the ground 4 feet and they are just fine. Are you talking about an outside area with wind flow, a box, or indoor brooder? I would look more at putting a themometer under the lamp and seeing what the temperature is than relying on size of bulb.

 

[dlaciv12]

Brooder is cardboard, indoor and it is a 250 watt infra-red heat lamp. Temp isn't a problem, I just wanted to know if they need more light overnight.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

no, no more light to "see" by. It is only for warmth.

 

[ranger4327]

what do you folks use for a thermometer? ive seen them on some pics, what type are they ?

my chicks were supposed to come today, but gotta call saying next week. they are coming in the mail. i hope they all make it !!

cb

 

[chickenhick]

Believe me....your babies will let you know if the heat isn't right. I have never used a thermometer. If they are cold, they will huddle together under the light and peep loud. If they are hot, they will get as far away from the light as possible and pant. Just monitor their behavior. I use a 75 w regular bulb in a brooder lamp. hope this helps.