The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club > Housing, Health & Hatching
Brooder heaters
Art Smith:
Has anyone had experience with the screw in ceramic heaters? They are advertised for reptiles, but I was wondering if they might be a good alternative for a brooder.
Mike Gilbert:
Here is what I think I'll be using.
http://www.sweeterheater.com/
Lee G:
I’ve never used the ceramic bulbs myself. But I did use something new for brooding this year called comfort heat plates. They look pretty similar to the sweeter heater Mike posted. The large plate broods up to 50 chicks, and uses 62 watts, and the small plate can brood up to 20 chicks, and uses 22 watts. The energy savings alone make contact heaters appealing, and well worth the initial cost imo.
What I liked best though, was how content the chicks brooded under the plates were, as well as being noticeably calmer. Whenever cold or frightened, they could duck under the security of the plate, just as they would with a broody. I think having a more natural day/night cycle is good for overall growth and health as well. 24/7 light was something I never liked about the bulbs. That and always worrying about a farmers worst fear…fire.
Brooder comparison test
Comfort is…warmth and security. :)
Max:
I'm curious as to how well the bedding stays dry when using the plates. I know the heat lamps help evaporate a lot of the moisture from their feces and the mess they can make around their water.
DeWayne Edgin:
I noticed you are using straw instead of sawdust. Sawdust also helps the brooder stay dry and is way less dangerous than straw for catching fire. I had a heat lamp fall down to low from chicks jumping up and hitting it. I use saw dust and it did catch fire, but it only burnt in an area about the size of a football and went out. Straw would have burnt faster and would spread more. My only cocern with the heat lamps is, when i use a tub like you have and since it is to small for 2 lights. If the bulb gets broke or just burns out you do not have a backup light. Over night and while i am working are the times i worry.
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