The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club > Housing, Health & Hatching

Brooder heaters

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Schroeder:
Art:
If you are referring to the ceramic bulbs that screw into a light fixture, I have had bad experiences with them, using them in a small coop.  On two different occasions, they burned out after a couple of months for no apparent reason.  One time, the bulb was left hanging from wires when the base apparently shattered.  Obviously, this did not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I now use the plate-type heaters others describe in my brooders .
Duane

Lee G:
I never had any problems with moisture, Max. I used the heat plates on top old towels for the first 24 hrs, then atop a mixture of clean (but not too clean, I always leave a little old litter to get mixed in) straw and peat moss. The peat moss is real good for keeping litter dry…and great for the garden too.  ;) And once the chicks move to the brooder house (around 5-7 days, those tubs are only temporary) I keep their waters raised up about chick chest level, so the water stays cleaner a lot longer. Bricks work good, or those small round patio stones you can find at the hardware store.

Inside the brooder house (also doubles as a wood shed)




The real test will be how well the plates work outdoors! Hopefully by next spring I will have something built so the chicks can be on ground from day one.

Oh, and I believe Premier sells a neat little waterer that’s meant to sit on top the heat plates, and chicks can drink from the side. I regret not getting one to try!


DeWayne, I use straw because it’s cheap and abundant in my area. Sawdust sounds good, but I’m not sure where I’d ever find enough to use for bedding. I go through quite a bit every season. I tried pine shavings a few times, and liked them well enough, but switched back to straw because of cost. With the ever rising expense of feed and grain, I need to save where I can. But I know what you mean about fire…*shiver*
That must have been very scary finding that. Glad it wasn’t worse! I do use secure chains on all my heat lights, but still worry because anything can happen…and usually does when no one is home.


Duane, what kind of heat plates do you use? I'm really liking the looks of the sweeter heater for an outdoor setup, as it looks like it could be built/wired right in.   :)

Schroeder:
I'm referring to the Brinsea Eco Glow 50 that I use in my brooders. I also have used it in a section of my coop for the first few weeks, when cold temperatures aren't extreme.
Duane

Art Smith:
Mike, I do like the sweeter heaters a lot even though they are a little pricey. I think they will be much safer than heat lamps and hopefully more dependable. I have chicks due in May from Paul Smith and I don't want something like a burned out bulb devastating my investment. So I'll start saving my pennies to get a sweeter heater or two for the new arrivals.

HortonHillFarm:
We have used the sweeter heater for three years now and are very happy with it.  This heater is easy to clean and is water proof.  We used to use heat light bulbs but always concerned with the risk of fire.  We use peat moss for litter and do not have an issue with the brooder being too moist. 

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