Hens and chicks require the right temperature for proper development. Providing it in winter can be quite difficult. To insulate a chicken coop, many farmers use improvised means - plywood, sawdust, chipboard. However, in regions with harsh climates, this may not be enough. In such a situation, special lamps are often used to heat the chickens. They maintain a suitable temperature and ensure the normal development of the chicks.
What does it represent?
The device is an ordinary light bulb. It is screwed into an E27 ceramic socket. The glass bulb can be transparent or painted blue or red. There is a tungsten filament inside. It is located in a flask with an argon-nitrogen mixture.
These lamps have specific radiation. It does not affect the entire room, but only objects that are nearby. Upon contact with them, infrared rays are absorbed and then transformed into thermal energy. Heating does not require a lot of time - the heat is felt immediately when the lamp is turned on.
Types of infrared heating lamps
There are several options for lamps that are used to heat broilers. They allow you to store heat thanks to their strong incandescence. Common types of infrared lamps include the following:
- R lamps. They have the simplest design and are made of ordinary glass. There is a glossy part on top that allows light to pass through. It is connected to a reflector, which is coated with reflective paint on the inside.
- BR lamps. They are characterized by a convex reflector. It is coated with reflective paint. The part that transmits light is connected to the reflector. It is made from ordinary glass. This element can be matte, glossy or cellular.
- PAR lamps. They are characterized by a parabolic reflector of precisely adjusted shape. There is an aluminum layer on top, which provides better reflection and focusing of light. These lamps are shorter in length, which ensures deeper fixation in the lampshade.
- Ceramic lamps. The main feature of such lamps is the absence of light during heating.This is important when it is necessary to heat birds in the absence of lighting. The devices are made of fire-resistant material. It is highly durable and easily withstands exposure to water.
Basic rules of use
You should use a thermometer to control the temperature. Newborn chicks require a high temperature - 35-37 degrees. Subsequently, it is recommended to reduce it by 1-2 degrees. At 9 weeks, chickens feel comfortable at a temperature of 18-21 degrees.
To regulate the temperature, you can remove or bring the lamp closer to objects. To select the lamp power, you should focus on this ratio: 1 kilowatt of energy is required per 10 square meters. If the temperature in an unheated room is 10 degrees, 10 square meters will require 1 light bulb with a power of 600 watts.
The distance at which the heat source should be located is also important. Initially, this is done at a distance of 30-40 centimeters from the chicks. After some time, the temperature is measured. If it exceeds 37 degrees, the heat source is moved higher.
You should have 2 lamps in your arsenal. If one gets damaged, it should be replaced in a timely manner. This will help keep the chicks healthy.
Principle of operation
When the lamp operates, electrical energy is transformed into infrared radiation. The design is quite safe. The glass flask is made of thick glass, which provides protection from water and shock.
A special reflective material is applied to the inside of the glass. Thanks to this, it is possible to direct heat and light to the chicks. It is best to place several light bulbs in the brooder, as they may burn out. Leaving chickens without heat will result in their death.
Light mode
The length of daylight hours is very important when breeding chicks. With proper selection of lighting, it is possible to regulate the activity of chickens. It is important that the temperature in the poultry house be high on the first day. Different lamps are used for the enclosure.
In the first weeks, the chicken coop in which the chickens are kept is illuminated unevenly. A wakefulness zone is created in the area of drinking bowls and feeders. This area is constantly illuminated. Above it are lamps with reflectors with a power of 15-20 watts. Chicks should sleep in semi-darkness.
Scientists say that in the first 3 weeks of life, birds need constant lighting. It provokes increased activity and muscle growth.
Subsequently, constant exposure to light inhibits the development of birds. Therefore, it is recommended to illuminate the poultry house intermittently.
Chicken behavior
The correct placement of chickens can be determined by their behavior. If the chicks are sufficiently active, have a good appetite and normal water consumption, we can talk about decent conditions for their maintenance.
Huddled together
If there is a lack of heat, the chicks huddle in groups. They are located closer to heat sources and try to keep warm. As a result, there is a risk of traumatic injury. Under the impressive mass of birds there is a risk of chicks dying.
Scattering to the sides
If the chicks try to crawl in different directions and avoid contact with each other, this indicates an increased temperature.
In such a situation, heavy breathing and lethargic behavior are observed. Therefore, it is worth positioning the heat source higher.
Advantages of using lamps as heaters
Heating the brooder with an infrared lamp provides many advantages:
- promotes drying of the litter;
- maintains normal humidity parameters due to moisture evaporation;
- has a beneficial effect on the nervous system of chicks, reduces their aggressiveness and reduces stress parameters;
- provides soft lighting that does not irritate the chicks;
- normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, including improving appetite and feed absorption;
- ensures proper development of chicks and strengthens the immune system.
Other heaters
You can heat a chicken coop not only with lamps. Other types of infrared devices are also used for this purpose. They are divided into the following categories:
- spotlights;
- ceiling lamps;
- lamps.
How to properly organize a brooder?
Using cardboard boxes for raising chickens is considered far from the best solution. They get wet quickly, there is no ventilation inside, and problems arise with performing quality cleaning and disinfection.
In such a situation, it is recommended to use a brooder. It is a house for chicks, which has the appropriate equipment and is intended for breeding young animals.
To achieve good results, the brooder must meet the following requirements:
- Have a good heating system, adequate lighting, high quality drinkers and feeders. Ventilation and strength are achieved through the presence of fine-mesh grilles. They are on the sides and on the floor. The cell size is approximately 10 millimeters.
- The chicks' waste must pass through the grate without hindrance, ending up in a special garbage container. It can be quickly washed and treated with disinfectants. The entire brooder should be easy to clean and wash.
- To raise young chickens in the first days of life, maintain normal temperature and protect from drafts, it is necessary to make removable side walls. They are made from washable materials. Plywood or fiberboard works well. For one-time use, you can use thick cardboard. At first, you can install additional mats. They should be covered with dry bedding. These devices should occupy half the cage.
- The brooder should be supplemented with several infrared lamps. It is also recommended to use a thermostat that responds to changes in external conditions and adjusts the temperature in the brooder.
- The size of the door should ensure unhindered cleaning in the house.
When organizing a brooder, it is important to choose the right area. Too tight seating will lead to injuries, death of chicks, and leg pathologies due to lack of motor activity.
Properly selected temperature conditions ensure the normal development of chicks. It is possible to achieve good results by using infrared lamps, which help warm the chickens.
