Vivarium heater to replace heat lamp, chicks 3 weeks old. Possible?

[ManyQuestions]

In a bit of a pickle.
Heat bulb has died as of 2 hours ago. Tried local electrical shops and of course, pet stores, but have none in stock, nor will they until mid next week.
I have four chicks, 3 light sussex and 1 barred rock......all 3 weeks old.

Would a vivarium heat pad do the trick? Maybe that or would a 100W bulb help...or both?

Other suggestions appreciated.

thanks all

 

[Kimiko]

Hi,

the chicks need to be @ 80-85 degrees. I don't think you can get that with a 100W bulb--need 250W.

I'd be worried about them burning their feet on the heat pad unless it's well padded, but then it isn't likely to help.

There's a Wal mart in Dublin--they carry heat bulbs in the US (and everything else needed to make a brooder).

Options--crank house heat, space heater (ware fire), I suppose you could try a heat pad on the bottom or side of the brooder but I don't know if it would get the temps inside high enough and be safe in terms of fire/melting etc.

Good luck!

 

[ManyQuestions]

Thanks Kimiko.

I temporarily put it beside heating unit with the bulb and heat pad inside.
Heat pad isnt that hot....would suit to call it a warm pad rather than 'heat'.

We dont have walmart in Ireland, although there is a single store in Dublin calling itself walmart, its about the size of a 2 car garage.
Surprised the real walmart hasnt sorted them out, using their name and all.

Anyhoo, looks like I can overnight a bulb from outside my area, hopefully not a problem for long.

 

[Chic-n-farmer]

Try the 100 watt bulb. Lower or raise the fixture to get the temperature just right. You'll be able to tell when they are warm enough by their behavior.

 

[netjumper]

hi we always use a heatmat on our hatches until they go outside under a lightbulb at about 3/4 weeks