Raising Chicks Without a Heat Lamp(Or a Broody)?

[underground chickenman]

I suppose it's possible, but why?? Hanging a $9 reflector heat lamp is just too easy and reliable.

UGCM

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

Quote:
You are right I have brooded two sets now with a 90 bulb I don't even have to raise it I just go down in wattage I go from a 90 to a 75 to a 60 to a 40 to nothing at all and they all have lived and are doing great.




ETA:
Quote:
I have this I just put a reg bulb in it though...

 

[msteresaann]

This is kinda cool but spendy.

http://www.brinsea.com/prod-EcoGlow_Chick_Brooder-239.aspx

 

[KinderKorner]

I use a 52 watt bulb and it works fine. I found heat lamps to be way way too hot. I've killed more chicks by over heating then under heating. I NEVER use more than 100 watt. But usually more like 60.

 

[Mrs.H]

I have chicks that are 3 weeks old and I refused to use a heat lamp, too many horror stories, and didnt want to leave a light bulb plugged in while I slept im paranoid about fires! I have raised them day 1 without any heat lamp or light bulb, and they are doing fine. I am in NC, I keep them in our mudroom (room between garage and house) it is unheated in there. We did have nights at 1st that were upper 30s lower 40s and they did great. They were in a wooden house. The 1st week of having them I would put in a dog house style box that I would show them their way in at night. It was lined with a carpet like insulation and then lined with on of those foil thin heat emergancy blankets that warm up when you touch them. Only used it for the 1st week b/c after that it was hard to get them all in without others running out LOL. They are now in one of those black dog kennels and still doing great. They dont and never had huddled when they sleep.

 

[Zahboo]

We use a regular lamp and screw it to the bottom of the brooder. We used to not screw it down and had fire issues.

 

[sourland]

Mrs H you must have some extremely hardy hot blooded chickens. What breed are they. I have never heard of chicks hardy enough to survive temps in the mid 30's.

 

[Mrs.H]

Quote:
There was a few time when it got down to the 30s-40s at night but during the day it was anywhere from 60-70, it warms up quicky down here in the AM so it was still kinda warm in the mudroom at night or didnt stay chilly for long. It was warmer in the mudroom than it was outside when the temps did get down. I really dont know I got them at TSC, from when I posted pics I got a few dif. answers anywhewre from Buff orphs or white leg horns, red sex links or RIR.

 

[AccentOnHakes]

Quote:
South Bay here, near the mountains.

 

[AccentOnHakes]

I do have some 100 watt bulbs, which I was considering, but it's super bright. Would they be okay without a reflector, and just use a desk lamp?

ETA: I'll have to make something out of wire if I do that so they won't hit the lamp and turn into fried chicken.