Selecting the right brooding lamp is only the first step. Proper usage and maintenance are crucial for maximizing brooding effectiveness and avoiding issues like chick stress, illness, or equipment failure due to incorrect operation. This guide details practical tips across four key areas: installation, temperature control, daily maintenance, and safety.

1. Installation Standards: Ensuring Even Heating and Safety
   Installation Height: Adjust the height based on the lamp type and wattage. Infrared lamps are typically hung 60-80 cm high, while LED brooding lamps at 50-70 cm. Height fine-tunes the temperature: lower height increases localized heat, while greater height promotes more even distribution. Initially, lower the height to provide higher startup temperatures, then gradually raise it as the chicks grow.
   Spacing: Distribute lamps rationally, as each generally heats an area of 1-1.5 square meters. Maintain a spacing of 1.2-1.5 meters between lamps to eliminate cold spots. For large-scale operations, use a grid pattern, aligning the lamps directly above the chick activity areas for optimal heat coverage.
   Secure Mounting: Brooding lamps generate significant heat. Use heat-resistant hangers or brackets and reinforce them with wire or screws to prevent lamps from falling and injuring chicks. Keep lamps at least 30 cm away from flammable materials (like litter or plastic sheeting) to prevent fire hazards.
2. Temperature Control: Precisely Meeting Chick Growth Needs
   Staged Temperature Management: Adjust temperature dynamically according to chick age:
   Days 1-3: 34-35°C
   Days 4-7: 32-34°C
   Reduce temperature by 2-3°C weekly until it stabilizes at 20-22°C after 21 days.
   Place thermometers in different zones of the brooding area to ensure the day-night temperature variation does not exceed 1-2°C, preventing stress from fluctuations.
   Using Thermostats: For small-scale brooding, simple mechanical thermostats connected in series with the lamps can automatically cut power when temperatures exceed the set threshold. For medium/large-scale operations, intelligent temperature control systems are recommended. These monitor temperature in real time, automatically adjusting the number of active lamps and can integrate with ventilation systems to maintain balanced temperature and humidity.
   Observing Chick Behavior: Use the chicks as a guide. If they huddle directly under the lamp and pant, the temperature is too high. If they move away from the heat source and shiver, it’s too low. Ideally, chicks should be evenly distributed, active, and feeding normally. Adjust lamp height or output based on these observations.
3. Daily Maintenance: Extending Equipment Life and Ensuring Effectiveness
   Regular Cleaning: Dust and manure in the brooding area can accumulate on the lamp surface, impairing heat dissipation and light output. Clean the lamp body, reflector, and protective mesh weekly with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid direct water spray to prevent short circuits.
   Inspecting Wiring and Connections: Check power cords and plugs weekly for signs of aging, damage, or overheating. Replace or reinforce them immediately if insulation is cracked or connections are loose. For large-scale setups, installing leakage protectors is advised to reduce electrocution risks.
   Timely Lamp Replacement: The efficiency of infrared lamps can decrease by about 30% after 500 hours of use, requiring regular replacement. If LED brooding lamps show dimming or significant color temperature shift, replace them promptly to avoid insufficient heating impacting chick growth.
4. Safety Precautions: Mitigating Brooding Risks
   Preventing Burns and Pecking: Operating lamps become very hot. Always use models with protective mesh to prevent chicks from pecking the bulb and getting burned. Avoid letting chicks crowd directly underneath for extended periods; adjust lamp height or add perches to disperse them.
   Fire and Explosion Prevention: Keep flammable materials away from the brooding area. Ensure no litter or paper scraps are near the lamps. In humid environments, prioritize waterproof and explosion-proof lamps to prevent moisture ingress causing short circuits or fires. Check that lamps are off or thermostats are functioning correctly during unattended periods.
   Safe Power-off Practices: Always turn off the power and allow the lamp to cool completely before replacing, cleaning, or adjusting its position to prevent electric shock or burns. After the brooding period, turn off the power supply. Store lamps in a dry, well-ventilated place, avoiding crushing or impact.