The best chick light for retail space?

[chickitychickity]

Every year our retail store has 50-200 day old chicks for sale between the months of February and June. In the past we have used red and white heat lamps. We have always used a system that allows customers to look at the chicks from above. Now we will be changing that system to where customers must look through a small panel on the side to see the chicks. This new system will make the chick box more enclosed and harder to see in and will make the space warmer.

I am kind of stuck between deciding on the red or white bulb. Both are 250 watts. The white bulb will allow customers to see the color of the chicks (which they really do like to view.) Our experience is that the red bulb will prevent pecking and help them sleep better in the stressfull situation of being in a noisy store.

Basically, I can't decide and maybe need some advice that I already don't know?

 

[chickencheeper]

Red light is really the best. It provides more warmth. Are you using a heat lamp?

 

[chickitychickity]

Red light is really the best. It provides more warmth. Are you using a heat lamp?

Yes

 

[chickencheeper]

If you were to use a red light heat lamp and a supplimental white light(standard lightbulb) then it would provide heat for the chicks and a good view for the customers, however you must turn the white(standard) light off at night

 

[PirateGirl]

I would do what's best for the chicks. If red light helps with pecking and sleeping, go with red. You will have healthier chicks, and healthy chicks are more likely to sell than lethargic or injured chicks. People buying chicks will understand that they need the heat light (and will likely be buying a heat light of their own). It is also an educational opportunity about the care of chicks. You could even post a sign by their brooder that explains why the chicks have a red light on them.

 

[NNYchick]

Why not go with heating pad or peep pad they can lay on if they need warmth, especially if you new set up will have over heating concerns.

 

[Harmony Fowl]

Keeping in mind that the chicks don’t need their space to be universally warm, but rather a spot to go back to to warm up when necessary, could you place the heat lamp at one end of the space, furthest from the customers or at least just at one end, allowing a space for the chicks to wander to with natural or white lighting to allow customers to view them in that light also? As mentioned previously, the white lights and/or store light could be turned off at night to allow the chicks to sleep while the red heat lamps remain lit. Ideally, it doesn’t have to be either/or. You can meet the needs of the chicks and offer your customers a satisfactory view of their potential purchase both.