What are the benefits of using a brooder for keeping chicks warm versus using a heat lamp?

The heat lamp does cost less in the beginning, but is saving money worth it overall?

1. A heat lamp can be an abrasive amount of heat in one spot. It’s hard to regulate the temperature, and chicks have no where to escape the heat. Overheated chicks can lead to pasty butt and stress-induced aggression toward one another. A brooder mimics the mama hen. When they first hatch they can choose to stay underneath to keep warm, but as they get older they can go in and out as they please. It can also be raised to accommodate them as they grow.
2. A heat lamp is hazardous to flying foul! As those little guys start to flutter, they might accidentally get burned by the heat lamp, and it does get hot! But with a brooder, there is nothing that can hurt those little chickies.
3. A heat lamp must stay on at all times, meaning they never get a break from the light. Constant light means they cannot regulate themselves to day and night and have difficulty sleeping and long term health effects. But with a brooder they can snuggle in without abrasive lighting and sleep when appropriate.
4. And lastly, the biggest danger of a heat lamp is fire! It’s easy for them to slip and fall into the brooder box. So play it save and go for the brooder! It costs a little more upfront, but is worth it in the long run.

#brooder #heatlamp #backyardchickens #chickensofinstagram #babychicks #backyardhomestead #incubator #incubatingchicks #raisingchickens