Heat lamp confusion

[Doncasterpaul]

I am doing all the research I can before I buy my eggs. Still not decided between chicks and ducklings yet. However the confusing bit is the heat lamp for my brooder. All I can find in local stores are for reptiles. Are these ok ?? Or can I use just a normal lamp and put a special bulb in. Or are there any other methods. Thanks in advance for any help

[Nicos]

Never used one myself but I'm pretty sure reptile ones are cooler.
Also , I think chicks do better with Infra red lamps as white light discouraged sleeping.

[veggiechicken]

Have you reared chicks before?
Just wondering why you're not getting ready hatched chicks so you don't have the problem of ending up with lots of male birds that may need culling.

[Doncasterpaul]

Yep had chickens before. It’s my ten year old daughter who wants to try rearing them from eggs. And while she has the self sufficiency bug I want to encourage it. She wants to try different birds such as ducks and pheasants. But your right. The male bird problem is a concern

[veggiechicken]

Ask her how she will feel if some of the chicks have to be disposed of, perhaps.

[Doncasterpaul]

Yep we have had that conversation. Not sure it sank in though. Think it will be case of cross that bridge when we get to it

[4Shoes]

Think your options are

Infra red lamps
Heat Lamps
Electric Hen

The heat lamp is the most dangerous as there is a risk of fire if not setup correctly. For both the heat lamp and Infra red lamps, you need the correct fitting, chain, etc.


Electric hen is just a heated plate with adjustable legs.
https://www.littlefieldsfarm.com/bri...SABEgLvRvD_BwE

Here is another supplier
https://www.solwayfeeders.com/housin...electric-hens/

read the blurb .. enjoy

[Doncasterpaul]

Many thanks. I have been looking at the heating plate and seriously considering them

[astevens4]

I’ve used all sorts, but i think it will depend upon volume, and budget.

If you’re doing a 1 off hatching a standard red heat lamp is cheap, readily available and works, albeight needs checking and adjusting regularly.

Ceramic bulbs are a bit more expensive, and will usually be an online purchase, and suffer the same adjustment issues, but dont interfere with sleeping patterns.

Electric hens, are considerably more expensive, but are much easier to use, and imo lead to hardier birds, who feather out quicker. Obviously if you are doing a single hatch, or say once a year, it will be a decision as to whether the cost outweighs the benefit or not. If you are doing multiple hatches, definately get the ‘leccy hen. I think Brinsea do one, and their stuff is usually pretty much bullet proof!

Tony

[Scarlet]

I use a heat lamp - we also have reptiles and they aren’t suitable.
So long as you can chain it up from the roof they are very good, you take them higher and use a thermometer as they feather up.
I would seriously consider what you are doing though if it’s just for your daughter. There is always more boys than girls. One of my hatch was 9 boys from 10 eggs.if you want her to go the whole process I hope you make her watch while you dispatch them, they aren’t just cute and fluffy they crow and can become nasty....don’t think you can keep then and try to rehome them- they aren’t wanted and it’s not fair passing the buck. Remember that it is very difficult to know whether they are boys or girls, you have to keep for at least 6/8weeks unless they are auto sexing.



These lamps are more than adequate for several hatches per year.

[Stan79]

We used an infra red heat lamp from pets at home with a bulb that they also sell. Worked a treat last year and this.