put a thermometer in where they are. adjust the height of the heat lamp to get the temperature you want. it takes a while for the temperature to change so don't make adjustments too fast. might be best to start further away and then bring it in a little at a time. you don't want to cook them.any filament bulb emits heat ... regular or red .. if you have a large tub for a brooder i'd use the red heat lamp, theyre about 250watts .. otherwise if your like me and use a small carboard box a regular filament 60w bulb is better (and cheaper to run) .. in either case be sure to use a shield and secure it well so thers reduces fire hazzard .. the dedicate heating pads are super slick .. more to clean though lol ...