Red Light vs. White Light For Chicks?

[nancypo]

I'm confused about why to use a red bulb or white bulb, for heat for chicks? I have a 250 watt white bulb, with reflector for heat. The 2 chicks sleep just fine in our spare bedroom. Is there some reason to switch or?

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Red light is for heat and to reduse pecking. The white light is more for just light, but it can be used as a heat lamp, too.

 

[trinityfly]

It is my understanding that chickens do not really see the red spectrum. If dark and I switch on the red light the chickens do respond so I am not sure of notion. I have been using white light during the day for egg laying and that seems to work then use the red heat lamp at night.

 

[nancypo]

My 2 are a week or less old and seem to sleep, eat ok. I'm using the light for heat. Tonite I gave them some lettuce and plain yogurt. What excitement!

 

[nancypo]

Any other ideas?

 

[Chicky Tocks]

I switch between the two in my brooder. White light during the day and red light at night. The chicks are much more calm in the red light for some reason. They spaz out easily under the white.

 

[nancypo]

Thanks....

 

[msdoolittle]

I prefer the red lamp, due to pecking issues that can arise. If you do choose to use white lamp, I would also recommend using red at night. Who wants to be in glaring daylight 24 hours a day? Lol. Anyway, by using the red lamp, chicks are unable to see any little wounds that the others may have, which eliminates the picking.

 

[nancypo]

I going to get a red one today, and switch. There's lots of natural light in the bedroom and I don't want to blind the little guys....

 

[nanawendy]

Last year I used white for heat with no problem, I switched this year... just because I wanted to see if there was a difference. I do think they are a bit calmer, It could be individual natures or breed. Seem more calming for ME