When using a heat lamp to keep chicks warm, it is important to maintain the appropriate distance between the lamp and the chicks to ensure their safety and well-being. The distance between the heat lamp and the chicks will depend on the age of the chicks, the temperature of the surrounding environment, and the wattage of the bulb being used.
As a general guideline, for the first week of a chick’s life, the heat lamp should be kept at a distance of 18-20 inches from the brooder floor and the temperature should be maintained at around 95-100°F (35-38°C). For the second week, the temperature can be lowered to 90-95°F (32-35°C), and the heat lamp can be raised to a distance of 20-24 inches from the brooder floor. In the third week, the temperature can be further lowered to 85-90°F (29-32°C) and the lamp can be raised to 24-30 inches from the floor.
It’s important to monitor the temperature of the brooder regularly using a thermometer to ensure that the chicks are comfortable and not too hot or cold. If the chicks are huddled together under the lamp, it may be a sign that they are too cold, and if they are spread out away from the lamp, it may be a sign that they are too hot. Adjust the height of the lamp accordingly to maintain a comfortable temperature for the chicks.
