They're hatching and I don't have a heat bulb!

[winstonsgrrrl]

My quail are hatching and I'm just now getting my brooder set up. I've got a rubbermaid tub with a clamp-on lamp, but no heat bulb. How long can the chicks stay in the bator, and will a 60 watt bulb keep them warm enough?

 

[dragonchick]

The 60 watt bulb will work but you may have to place it closer for a little while. When we brooded our day old chicks we used a 75 watt incandescent bulb to save on electricity. Those heat bulbs can run the bill up quite a bit.

 

[Painted Spirit]

I used a 100 watt and got them plenty warm I did have to put it lower in the container but it was still 18 to 24 inches from the chickies. I used a 60 watt for a while but they seemed a little too cool with that.