Proper lighting for new ducklings

[RhodysMom]

So I'm getting all prepped for our new duckings which we'll get in the next couple of weeks. I went to my local TSC to get a brooding lamp and bulbs but all they had for red bulbs were 250 watts. I plan to use a large Rubbermaid-style box for my brooding box and am concerned that 250 watts may be too hot for my little girls. Is a red light absolutely necessary? Is 250 watts too much? If I opted to go with a standard white light with a lower wattage, would I leave it on 24 hrs a day? This may sound like a dumb question, but won't the ducks get confused if their "sun" never sets, if not mentally then possibly physiologically? Thanks for your help everyone!

 

[americanvalkyrie]

250 watts is a LOT! I don't know how many ducklings you're getting, but 250 is good for a huge group, where you can hang the light higher. I use a reptile bulb from the pet stores, whether I have 2 ducklings or 15 chicks.

Red is better than white because it doesn't disturb their sleep cycle. You need it on 24 hours a day until they're older and can adjust their body temps better. A reptile bulb is about $15 at pet stores, and can be set in a metal clip desk lamp.

 

[Amiga]

With our large Rubbermaid tub a.k.a. Brooder I, I used a combination of three lamps. One was a regular 60 watt light bulb, and two were ceramic heater bulbs that I had from when I kept a reptile. (RIP MInerva).

I also kept a thermometer (the kind used for tropical reptiles) in the brooder, under the lamps. That is now I knew if the temperature was right. That is how I learned that in the dry brooder, a certain configuration of lamps kept it at 90 degrees, but when the ducklings made it wet in there, I could only get 80 degrees.

The ceramic bulbs solve the problem of eternal daylight. And a thermometer puts your mind to rest, and keeps you from cooking your ducklings.