wattage of bulb for brooder

[Gonzo]

hi! what watt do I need for a brooder? last year I used the big red heatlamp kind and almost caught the brooder on fire! any suggestions?

 

[ChicksNPigs]

I'm sure people with more experience will chime in, but I know some use a 100 watt bulb at first and then use smaller wattages as the chicks grow.

 

[dacjohns]

Check out the Learning Center. There is a link at the top of your page.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/raising-chickens-basics.php

 

[Gonzo]

U R Awesome! Thank You! 100 watt!

Quote:

 

[dacjohns]

That is just a starting point. You have to observe your chicks and adjust the wattage and the height of the bulb accordingly. If the chicks bunch up it is too cold, if they move as far as they can away from the heat source it is too hot. If they scatter fairly evenly then the temperature is about right.

 

[saladin]

It all depends on the space between the bottom of the lamp and floor, whether the brooder is outside or inside, etc.

For example, my brooder is outside in the shed and is 10' x 3' x 24." So, I use red flood lights, 4 that are evenly spaced. saladin