What wattage bulb for the brooder heat lamp?

[sarahlorrain]

I've read in one place to get a 60 watt bulb and in another place to get a 250 watt bulb. I'm a bit confused ....

 

[A.T. Hagan]

There is no specific bulb size you should use. It depends on a number of variables such as how many chicks you are brooding, the size of their brooder, and the ambient temperature.

This time of year in much of the country during the day time at least you don't want ANY additional heat. Indeed you'll likely end up having to put a fan in to cool them down. At night you may need to turn off the fan and turn on the heat.

If we're talking a dozen or less chicks in a cardboard box or plastic tub I'd start with a hundred watt bulb (red or white, whatever you'd like) and see how it goes.

Watch the way the chicks behave to determine if they are too hot or cold. Their behavior will tell you what you need to knot more accurately than a thermometer will.

This is what you are looking for:

Good luck with your birds!

 

[RonC]