red or white bulb? wattage?

[gel2727]

My chicks are coming at the end of May, and their brooder will be going out in the chicken coop (using a large Rubbermaid footlocker). I have always used a white bulb before, I'm not sure what the wattage was, but they were also kept in the basement. (Husband says outside this time.) Is a red bulb better to use since they will have some light from the coop window? Also what wattage should I get? We've been through 2 moves since we last had chicks, and I'm not sure I'll be able to find my heat lamp, so I'll be taking a trip to the store soon.
I'm also considering using sand for the brooder this time. What type of sand do you use?

 

[Fred's Hens]

It's good to have a couple of bulbs, frankly, as the temperatures change and the chicks don't like much heat during the day. A 250 will really put out the heat and would keep them warm right down to 20F degree nights. But... it is over kill (sorry to use that word, but it applies) for sunshine, warm spring days. A 150 watt is plenty. As always, have cooler places in the brooder for the chicks to escape the heat, if they need to do so. So much depends on what temperatures you will experience at the end of May. 70's? 80's?

After week 3, I usually put the big, red, 250 watt away as it simply isn't needed and spins the meter too fast! LOL