Too Hot?

[LaineyMehrer]

So as you all know, I expect to get ducklings either today or tomorrow. My father said that the lamp I have in place is too low for the babies and that it’ll kill them. The tub we are using is 13in. deep, by 28in. across. (Don’t mind Dublin in the background lol).

 

[PirateGirl]

How high is the bulb above the ground? Is it a 250 watt red bulb?

My 250 watt red heat bulb said to not place the bulb any closer to the ground than 18 inches. It has been plenty warm at that height.

If your container is only 13 inches deep I would definitely place the bulb on the outside of the cage. This is also safer in the event that the light should fall, it will land on the cage and not on the bedding/ducklings.

Additionally, ducklings splash, a lot. If water can hit the bulb when it is hot, the bulb will shatter. This is bad. I did this once in my bathroom when I was cleaning. I was using a spray bottle and a damp rag and hit one of the vanity light bulbs and it exploded hot glass everywhere.

I'm not sure if the red dish in your photo is for food or water, but the ducklings will need something deeper for water that they can dunk their heads in. That sort of container would likely work for feed though.

Good luck! Looks like you are ready and they have a nice clean, safe, warm spot to move in!

 

[Blooie]

Watch the heat lamp with ducklings for all the reasons @PirateGirl gave. Remember that ducklings have longer necks than chicks do, and if you've ever seen a duckling stand way up and stretch that neck out, you'd know what a risk having a low lamp can be!