Heat lamp bulbs

[debid]

Anyone use either of these? http://www.qcsupply.com/260010-15-phillips-heat-bulb-175-watt.html
http://www.qcsupply.com/260008-15-phillips-heat-bulb-100-watt.html

I found a place that has the same bulb in red, also. They appear to be much heavier duty than the bulbs at the pet store.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

The ones at home depot or the pet store should be fine. Those are also fine but I would go for the higher wattage bulbs for added heat. I also recommend red if you can get red.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I use three bulbs total. One 250 watt, one 150 watt, and one 90 watt. That way, I can control the temps as needed, based on ambient temperatures, weather, age of the chicks, day time vs. night time, etc. Three sockets. Just plug in, or unplug as needed.

 

[debid]

Oh yes, I'm going with red. I only linked the white bulbs because there is a better description of each bulb's attributes on the QC site.

I was told that in a brooder box setup, 250 watts could "cook" the chicks. If this is incorrect, well, I can get a 250 -- those are available cheap at the farm stores. The 100-175W reptile bulbs at the pet store, however, are MORE expensive for what appears to be a lesser quality bulb.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Quote:
Cooking the chicks is serious and happens far too often. Less is more, most of the time.

 

[silkiechicken]

If you are brooding less than 25 chicks inside a house, 100W is plenty of heat. If you are brave enough to have more than 25 inside, just use 2 100W. For up to 25 chicks... I only use two 100W, OUTSIDE even when it gets to 32 and a few inches of snow fall. 250 is over kill for most back-yard raising situations.

 

[debid]

10 chicks, outside on the covered deck, highs expected around 60-80 daytime and upper 40s to mid 50s nighttime. I figured I'd use the 175W all day and night at first and then switch to 175W at night and 100W during the day as they get some feathers. I'll obviously keep an eye on them but I'm hoping that the experienced folks here can help me avoid buying a bunch of bulbs that aren't suitable

 

[silkiechicken]

Covered deck with low in mid 40's... as long as they are enclosed and not in a draft in any way 100W will be plenty for 10 chicks to hang out under heat. If they start to pile, having the 175 might be good to have on hand. I put my 100W lights about 8 inches from the litter, or 4-5 inches higher than standing chick height. If you plan on having it further away, you'll need more wattage. At your temps, you won't need a heat lamp by 6 weeks old provided they have shelter.

 

[Chickeninthemeadow]

I was planning to ask questions along this line myself!

I plan to use an old 36 inch dog crate as a brooder (will be putting cardboard or luon panels around it to block the holes so they can't escape) and will probably cover half of it with a blanket of some kind as the babes will be out in the workshop. We're probably looking at 18 inches or more from the top of the litter to the light. Should I do the 250 brooder heat bulb thing or will a lightbulb or two be sufficient for me? I do plan to dry run the setup for a few days before getting the chicks to make sure I can keep the brooder area the right temperature. I'm worried about them already, its been so cold here lately. I hope this is the last cold snap of the year.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Quote:
Good guidance.

Options are good. Use no more than necessary. I brood outside, in attached garage with Northern Michigan ambient temps between 30-45. Thus, I can use as little or as much as needed. On that rack is a 250wt, a 150wt and a 90wt. I never need all three at once.