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The Dangers of Heat Lamps
Anyone who has ever hatched chickens knows that it can be difficult and time-consuming. One aspect of raising chicks that can be particularly dangerous is brooding. In this article, we will look at the dangers of heat lamps, a common issue that many people face, and explore safer, more effective alternatives.
Key Points on Brooding Safety
- Heat Lamps are a Fire Hazard: Traditional 250W heat lamps are a leading cause of barn and coop fires.
- Overheating Causes Health Issues: Heat lamps can easily overheat chicks, leading to stress and serious health problems like Pasty Butt.
- Radiant Heat is the Safer Choice: Heat plates like the Brinsea EcoGlow are low-voltage, energy-efficient, and eliminate the risk of fire and overheating.
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Brooding Basics: What Your Chicks Need
Chicks need to be well taken care of after they hatch. Their down does very little to keep them warm, which is why in nature, a mother hen broods her chicks. Never remove chicks from the incubator unless they are completely dry and fluffy, otherwise they can chill and die.
The Brooder Space
The heat source should not warm the entire brooder. Chicks need enough room to move away from the heat if they get too hot. Keep food and water away from the heat source. If you carefully observe their behavior, you will be able to see if they are comfortable:
- Too Cold: Chicks will huddle together directly underneath the heat source.
- Too Hot: Chicks will pant or try to get as far away from the heat source as possible.
Pro Tip: Always keep spare bulbs or wafers for your brooder on hand in case the main one fails.
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The Heat Source Dilemma
Choosing the right heat source is one of the most critical decisions in brooding. While many options exist, they are not created equal in terms of safety, chick health, or efficiency.
The Risks of Heat Lamps
Common choices like incandescent, infrared, ceramic, or halogen bulbs come with significant downfalls:
- Fire Hazard: Running a 250W bulb 24/7 over flammable bedding is a leading cause of coop and barn fires.
- Health Issues: The constant light disrupts a chick's natural day/night cycle.
- Overheating: Lamps can easily overheat chicks, causing stress and potentially fatal conditions like Pasty Butt.
The Safer Alternative: Radiant Heat
A radiant heat source, like Brinsea’s EcoGlow Chick Brooder, mimics a mother hen:
- Safety First: Low-voltage radiant heat eliminates the risk of fire and burns.
- Energy Efficient: Uses only 12-18 watts, saving money and energy.
- Natural Cycle: Produces no light, allowing for a natural sleep schedule.
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Managing Brooder Temperature
The right temperature depends on the ambient atmosphere and the number of chicks you have. In general, you want to keep the heat source temperature in the 90s (°F) for the first two weeks, then decrease by 10°F every two weeks after that. With a heat lamp, use multiple thermometers to check for even heat. With a radiant heater like the EcoGlow, simply observe chick behavior.
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When Chicks are Done Brooding
As your chicks begin to grow feathers, the amount of external heat they require will lessen. You will know it's time to stop brooding when they are completely covered in feathers instead of down. These feathers act as a wonderful insulator, and they can be moved from the brooder to a secure coop.