Heat Lamp in Plastic Storage Container

[VanderFarm]

I saw a few inquiries about the use of a heat lamp and a plastic storage container and thought I would share my temporary set up.

We have a fun little hobby farm and I borrowed a small 6 egg capacity incubator from a friend and four of the six eggs hatched. Seventy-two hours after the last one hatched I found myself concerned with the next step because I did not have a brooder box, so I am currently using a heat lamp and have it clipped to a plastic storage container. I was and still concerned about risk of fire, so we check it regularly and to make sure our baby chicks are staying at the optimum temperature. This is not the most ideal way to care for your chicks and I reccommend a safer way if it is available. It works with caution!
As for now our chicks are healthy, happy, and safe.
Thanks for ready!

 

[nchls school]

I have used the same set-up for years as I rarely have more than a few chicks at a time.

BUT WITH ONE VERY IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE-The heat lamp bulb was replaced with a 20 watt incandescent bulb and the lamp lowered. Yes, you can use regular bulbs in heat lamps and with only four chicks I urge you to change that bulb. A heat lamp can look fine one minute and overheat the next. And with a plastic container-why take the chance.

With a 20 watt there is little chance of a fire.

Be happy and stay safe.

 

[MARANMAN2011]

Exactly

 

[rosemarythyme]

Somewhat unrelated, but I also wouldn't use newspaper as the brooder floor covering, as it can be slippery and cause tendon issues.

 

[Dianad24]

I saw a few inquiries about the use of a heat lamp and a plastic storage container and thought I would share my temporary set up.

We have a fun little hobby farm and I borrowed a small 6 egg capacity incubator from a friend and four of the six eggs hatched. Seventy-two hours after the last one hatched I found myself concerned with the next step because I did not have a brooder box, so I am currently using a heat lamp and have it clipped to a plastic storage container. I was and still concerned about risk of fire, so we check it regularly and to make sure our baby chicks are staying at the optimum temperature. This is not the most ideal way to care for your chicks and I reccommend a safer way if it is available. It works with caution!
As for now our chicks are healthy, happy, and safe.
Thanks for ready!

I have close to the same set up. Our lamp is also hanging on a wooden rod with string above the tote and has a cage over the bulb because I am concerned about the same things you mentioned.