Newly hatched chicks are fluffy and adorable, but they’re also in the most fragile stage of life, requiring meticulous care. For backyard chicken enthusiasts or small-scale farmers, the key to successful brooding lies first and foremost in “temperature”—and the core equipment for providing a constant, optimal temperature is the brooder lamp.
Choose the right one, and your chicks will be healthy, lively, and thrive; choose the wrong one, and it could be the start of a disaster.
I. Why Is a Brooder Lamp So Important? (Constant Temperature + Growth Promotion)
Newly hatched chicks have extremely poor temperature regulation abilities—unlike adult chickens, they can’t maintain their own body heat. Fluctuations in ambient temperature directly impact their survival and health.
Constant Temperature Warmth for Higher Survival Rate: Optimal temperatures (typically around 35℃ in the first week, decreasing by 2-3℃ each subsequent week) prevent chicks from huddling and crushing to death due to hypothermia, while also effectively preventing diseases like pullorum.
Promotes Growth & Lays a Foundation: A warm environment keeps chicks comfortable, encouraging them to actively feed and drink. Adequate nutrition intake is the cornerstone of their bone development and muscle growth.
Mimics a Mother Hen’s Embrace: The light and heat emitted by the brooder lamp resemble a hen’s wings, providing chicks with a sense of security and reducing stress responses.
II. How to Choose a Brooder Lamp? 4 Key Factors to Consider!
Common brooder lamps on the market include infrared bulbs and ceramic heating lamps—how should you decide?

1. Lamp Type: Infrared Bulb vs. Ceramic Lamp
   Infrared Bulb (Recommended for Beginners)
   Pros: Emits both light and heat—warms the space while illuminating it, making it easy to observe chicks’ conditions. Affordable and widely available.
   Cons: The light may disrupt chicks’ nighttime rest (solved with a timer). Relatively shorter lifespan.
   Pro Tip: Always choose deep red or dark red infrared bulbs! This light reduces pecking vices (chicks pecking each other’s feathers) and is soft enough not to interfere with rest.
   Ceramic Heating Lamp (Premium Choice)
   Pros: Emits heat only, no light—creates a completely dark resting environment that aligns with chicks’ natural habits. Longer lifespan and more durable.
   Cons: Higher price point. The lamp base gets extremely hot during operation, requiring strict fire safety precautions. No light makes it inconvenient to check on chicks at any time.
   Verdict: For backyard and small-scale brooding, deep red infrared bulbs are the top choice for cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
2. Power (Wattage) Selection
   Power determines heating capacity—choose based on your brooding space size and ambient temperature.
   Small-Scale (e.g., cardboard boxes, enclosures <1㎡): A 100W-150W bulb is usually sufficient.
   Larger Spaces or Cold Environments: 250W or higher may be needed, or use multiple lamps in combination.
   Golden Rule: More wattage isn’t always better! The key is to pair the lamp with a temperature control switch or adjust the hanging height for precise temperature regulation.
3. Accessories: Lamp Holder & Lampshade
   Safety comes first!
   Lamp Holder: Must use a ceramic lamp holder! Ordinary plastic holders can’t withstand the high heat from brooder lamps during long-term use, easily melting and causing fires.
   Lampshade (Reflective Bowl): Highly recommended! It reflects heat downward, improving thermal efficiency and preventing heat loss. It also provides an extra layer of protection.
4. Auxiliary Tool: Temperature Control Switch
   This is the secret weapon for “constant temperature”! Connect the brooder lamp to a temperature control switch, set your desired temperature, and the switch will automatically turn off when the ambient temperature reaches the set value and turn on when it drops below. This eliminates the hassle of repeatedly adjusting the lamp height, achieving 24/7 intelligent constant-temperature brooding.
   III. Installation & Usage Guide: Details Determine Success
   Safe Hanging: Use a sturdy chain or wire to hang the brooder lamp, ensuring a secure connection. Keep it at least 50cm away from any flammable materials (e.g., bedding, paper, wood).
   Adjustable Height: The lamp’s height isn’t fixed—follow this method:
   Initial Height: Typically 40-50cm above the ground.
   Observe Behavior: After turning on the lamp, watch the chicks:
   If they huddle in the exact center under the lamp: Too cold—lower the lamp.
   If they hide in corners far away, panting with their beaks open: Too hot—raise the lamp.
   If they spread out evenly, move freely, and chirp happily: The height is perfect!
   Provide a Temperature Gradient: Don’t heat the entire brooding area to the same high temperature. Keep the brooding zone (under the lamp) warm and other areas relatively cool. This allows chicks to choose the most comfortable spot based on their needs, a key way to prevent huddling.
   Regular Inspections: Check the lamp holder, wires, and bulb daily to ensure everything is functioning properly.
   IV. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
   Q: How long can one lamp be used?A: It’s generally recommended for continuous use during the brooding period (first 4-6 weeks). As chicks grow feathers and their cold resistance improves, gradually reduce lighting time based on temperature until they no longer need it.
   Q: Should I turn off the lamp at night?A: For infrared bulbs, use a timer to simulate day-night cycles (e.g., 16 hours of light, 8 hours of darkness). For ceramic lamps, you can keep them on 24/7 for constant warmth.
   Q: What else do I need besides the lamp?A: Equally important are waterers and feeders! Ensure chicks have access to clean water and nutritionally balanced starter feed at all times in a warm environment.
   Summary
   To choose the right brooder lamp, remember this formula:Deep Red Infrared/Ceramic Lamp + Appropriate Wattage + Ceramic Lamp Holder & Lampshade + Temperature Control Switch = Half the Battle for Successful Brooding