Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Infrared lights overheat surfaces beneath them. In many cases, if the baby birds go
to sleep underneath the infrared heat lamp, they will bake under the infrared rays. In-
frared heat can be particularly detrimental to turkey poults. They tend to sleep quite
soundly, and if they are cold, they will drift off and die directly under the rays. Keep
in mind that infrared lamps can have
red or clear
light bulbs. To confuse matters
more, some red bulbs
aren't
infrared. Make sure you read the label carefully to avoid
problems.
At the surface level of your bedding, where the baby birds will live the first week, it
is crucial that the temperature remains at around 95°F (35°C). Gradually cut that temper-
ature back as the weeks progress. The general rule of thumb is to cut back by about 5°F
(3°C) per week. Depending upon the season, the change in temperature requirements
must be carefully regulated. You can cut back on the heat much faster during the warm
summer months, but be careful about cutting back too quickly in late winter and early
spring when outside temperatures are colder.
For example, if the birds are started very early in the spring, and the temperatures
are frequently below freezing, you will have to keep the temperature up close to 95°F
(35°C) for a longer period of time. If chicks are hatched midsummer, your heat lamp
will not be needed for very long. In both cases, your chicks will let you know if they
need more or less heat by their proximity to the heat source and the noises they make.
Huddled and packed in an area under the light and distressed cheeping indicates a need
for increased warmth. Spread apart from each other with none under the lamp means
they are too warm. Again: there is no one rule that fits all; you must be an attentive care-
taker.
Remember that even if the outside temperature is 90°F (32°C), you need to monitor
the temperature in the brooder at the chicks' level. Even if it is getting hot outside, the
chicks may still need a heat lamp (especially at night) to maintain a temperature of 95°F
(35°C) at their level.
Lamp Safety
Heat lamps can be dangerous if not used properly. Never suspend them too close to the
ground; this can start a fire. Each bulb has instructions on it as to how close it can be to
the surface; read them before installation. To be safe, plug in the light and suspend it at
the height you feel appropriate — never closer than 12 inches (30 cm) — and then check
the temperature. Simply place your hand there at the surface to see how hot it is getting.
I prefer to use smaller-wattage bulbs and keep the birds in a facility that is already rather
warm before adding the comfort of the heat lamp.
