should i get a heat lamp that is 250 for a couple of chicks only like 3 or should i not.

[ButchGood]

Go here and check out all the brooders and lights the good people of this site use,
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/6233/brooder-thread-post-pics-of-your-brooders

 

[SurreyBYC]

I have my brooder for three chicks set up in a large cardboard box and I use a 250 watt red heat lamp and a thermometer. The red lamp is best because they do not disturb the sleep/wake pattern and discourages pecking issues. I have a thermometer in the box to monitor the temperature because babies need about 95F for the first week then a 5F reduction every week after. I also put a hardware cloth top on the box in case the cat gets into the rec room (or the heat lamp falls)!

 

[SurreyBYC]

I have my brooder for three chicks set up in a large cardboard box and I use a 250 watt red heat lamp and a thermometer. The red lamp is best because they do not disturb the sleep/wake pattern and discourages pecking issues. I have a thermometer in the box to monitor the temperature because babies need about 95F for the first week then a 5F reduction every week after. I also put a hardware cloth top on the box in case the cat gets into the rec room (or the heat lamp falls)! I also made a nipple waterer from a dented water bottle. The chicks took right to it and the water stays clean. If you do this - make sure to drill a couple of tiny holes around the neck of the bottle for air to get in or the chicks will not get any water.

 

[RedJungleFowl]

ok thanks so much but a few year ago i rise chicken with just news paper as the floor and they turn out great.

 

[RedJungleFowl]

thanks the picture was very helpful....

 

[mpguay]

Get one of those heat lamp holders at tractor supply or hardware store for about $10. It has an aluminum dome and 4 wire cross pieces. Its sort of like a cage for the heat lamp so it cannot rest on the cardboard. If you are worried about flighty birds, I'd wrap the heat lamp holder in chicken wire.

It wont burn up a cardboard box. Ive dont it many times.

 

[RedJungleFowl]

oh okay thanks to everyone.