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The obsession with heat lamps for baby chicks is getting out of hand

I mean, I see so many new folks in this group posting pictures of their brooder with a heat lamp blasting down 24/7 and I just cringe. A buddy of mine lost two chicks last spring because the lamp got too close to the pine shavings and it started smoldering at 2 in the morning. I get that you want them warm, but do people realize you can start them at 90-95 degrees and drop it by 5 each week? I use a simple brooder plate instead and it's way less risky, plus the chicks can get away from it if they get hot. Maybe it's just me being paranoid after that fire scare, but I swear half the posts I see have the lamp hanging way too low. Has anyone else switched to a plate and noticed their chicks act less stressed?

2 comments

2 Comments

jade_lane191mo ago

Had a heat lamp nearly catch my garage on fire a few years back, scared me straight into using a brooder plate and haven't looked back. Those plates let the chicks self regulate their temperature way better, and I've noticed a lot less piling up and panting than with the lamps. I think people just grab a lamp because it's cheaper upfront, but the peace of mind from not worrying about a fire every night is worth the extra cost.

emma5221mo ago

Check those plates weekly for hot spots, mine developed one after a year and roasted a whole corner of the brooder.