Safe heat source and Brooder set up?

[jgarner1327]

I ordered 9 baby chicks that should arrive in about a week. I’m going to use a big cardboard box to keep them in(and keep adding on as they get bigger), so I wanted to ask what heat sources you all have used that are safer than the traditional heat lamp? (which I used for my first set of chicks 2yrs ago)
And is it ok to keeps chicks in the garage or would it bad to be kept in there with a car that’d be driving in and out daily?
Any tips you’ve found helpful raising chicks?
Thanks!

I used a small piano lamp in one corner of a big box, and over two months I used up all my newspapers and brown bags for the floor of the box changing it twice a day, messy. I covered half the box so they didn't get too cold. For water, you can use a plastic jar lid with marbles in it for water or some low dish, but they tip it over and walk in it constantly. Just remember, this is just temporary, and they do grow up. I would not leave them in the garage. And I would hold them so they get used to it. Just me.

 

[Mary Chapman]

A sweeter Heater is as safe as I know they can get

 

[spoiledchickie]

I use a traditional heat lamp with a thermometer at floor level for a few days and then switch to this setup with a premier one brooder plate. I keep my babies inside the house. I also switch from puppy pads to sand at that point. The sand is amazing. So easy to clean with a reptile poop scoop.