Newbie w/Heat Lamp Questions...

[Indiana hens]

I use the big plastic storage tubs for indoor brooders with chicken wire for a top; then the lamp sits ontop of the wire.(we have cats) Buying different size bulbs is the way to go usually 100-150 watts. If you use a grow light they will grow faster but it will give them a sunburn if left on all the time. I recommend giving them a grow light for 4 or 5 hours a day and then switching to a regular bulb or heat bulb.

 

[klf73]

I have to disagree with everyone here and agree with the feed store guy. Unless your box is as big as, let's say a watermelon box (type of bin they use in grocery stores) then they will bake. I set up my 250 watt 24 inches over my big brooder, it melted the thermometer, and I only walked away to get something - less than 5 minutes. If you have a way to adjust it higher it may work, but I think the risk is too high. I actually used a 25 watt 12-15 inches above the surface and it worked great for my small hatches. I would have loved to get a red lamp that was 100 watt, but couldn't. I really think it depends on your set-up. Days 1-3 is 95 degrees, day 4 93.2 degrees, at 7 days old the chicks only need 86 degrees, at 14 days they need 77 degrees, I think the higher wattage is overkill for only 4 chicks, JMHO.
good luck

 

[Autumn Mama]

L&L :

Thanks for all the replies!

I will set up the brooder in the next couple of days and experiment with the temperature before the chicks get here. (I do have a thermometer).

L&L, I'm new at this too!

I'm monitering the brooder every hour (can't be too cautious in the beginning, and um, well, um, I'm new!), and with the thermometer laying on a short stack of washcloths AT THE CHICKS' HEIGHT, I have acheived a steady temp of 95 degrees, with a cooler area at the other end of the brooder. My light is a 250 watt red heat lamp, which most folks I've dealt with at the Co-Op (and many here) say is standard for a home brooder. This temp is the result of the lamp, screwed into it's ceramic socket with reflector, suspended over the brooder at one end, at around 24". Play with the height until you find the right height.

Tomorrow morning at this time I will be putting the first chicks in there! Soooo excited!

Like a PP mentioned, the chicks, don't really care what the bulb is, just as long as they are warm and healthy, lol!!!​

 

[zatsdeb]

I always start my chicks inside with a 100 watt light bulb. I get a big box, last year I got a big produce box from walmart.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I always hang them using a chain and a secure fastener, like a c-link, that closes completely. Never use something like an s-hook, that can accidentally come undone. If you can secure the chain to the lamp fixture at two different points, that's even better. Wire can be good for that.

 

[Autumn Mama]

Quote:
klf73, this is interesting, as I have NOT experienced anything as dramatic as what you describe. My house is an even temperature of 70 degrees, the 250 watt red lamp bulb is suspended at 24'' and there hasn't been any excess heat or melting of the thermometer, the brooder sides, etc. It has been on for 24 consecutive hours as of this morning.

It seems to be working for me.





Quote:
I have these available to me at our larger local Co-Op (not the one my chicks are coming from though) and will pick one up to try for the next batch that arrive in April. The first batch will then go to our unheated closed garage, and the new batch will be in the laundry room, where first batch is to be with my present set-up with the 250 watt heat lamp. Then I will set up the 250 in the garage brooder, and see if those 3 week olds need that much wattage to achieve the 80 degrees.



Quote:
I agree that the wattage is higher than it sounds is necessary, but if the 250 is all one can find, or is all one has been educated about, then it's great to know it can work for some folks, me for example!

It's great to have so many informed and experienced people on BYC to share their wisdom and encouragement!

 

[Chicken Fruit]

I think 250 watt is waaay overkill and it is a fire hazard. I only use 100w bulbs, they make all the heat the chicks ever need, and they use less energy.

 

[klf73]

well, I researched before, I will quote a couple very experience people
speckledhen said -
I never use a 250, only a white 125 watt in the house. Same situation. Bsmt bathroom, unheated. The bathroom was around 60 degrees and when I used the small sealed oil heater on low, it came up to 65. The 125 is perfect. I may use a 250 out in the nursery coop when mine go out today at 3 weeks old, but last year, my 8 chicks went out to the coop at 4 weeks old and they only had a 125 watt hung 3 ft above the floor. So, I'd buy a 125 watt and see if that helps. Lots cheaper bulbs to buy and to run as well.
silkiechicken (moderator)said when someone asked about a 250 lamp-
Just 12? Unless you are brooding them in a barn I think 125 is overkill. I brood mine in a wood brooder box and use a single 100W light bulb on a dimmer switch even when temps get into the 40's at night. Their ceiling is low in the box though and it's not drafty, so they stay pretty warm and cosy.
hope these ladies don't mind me quoting them

 

[Akane]

A 250 at room temps could most definitely melt a thermometer. It could kill anything you put under it within minutes. Like I said I've had a 100w get a thermometer over 100F and that was more than 12" away. I'd have to set the 250 several feet up and it would heat the whole box that way with no cool areas.

 

[Autumn Mama]

Interesting feedback, everyone.

I have to say, that this is not theory, in my case, but is my actual experience, thus far.


Currently the house temp is 72 degrees, the brooder is cool to the touch, the thermometer is reading exactly 95 degrees, and is not at all warm to the touch, made of plastic. The other end of the brooder is cooler, at 85 degrees.

I've added a second thermometer, as I'm curious about this! I'll update when/if something changes.

IMO: the only thing that changed the temperature at all, was an opening door to outside, and then it dropped by 5 degrees. Resumed 95 degrees around 5-10 minutes later.

My brooder that I constucted, is a 40 gallon dark blue Rubbermaid bin with lid removed, btw. Don't know if that is conducting heat differently than others' brooders?

I certainly trust the more seasoned chick raisers' collective wisdom, and it's interesting how others have had success with the 250 watt bulb and then others haven't!