A heat lamp gives young animals a warm spot in the first weeks, when they cannot yet regulate their body temperature well on their own. You need two parts: a lamp shade with cable and an infrared bulb. This selection includes lamp shades with 5 metres of cable, with or without an energy-saving switch, and separate bulbs from 100 to 250 watts in red and white, as hard-glass bulbs or energy-saving bulbs.
Choosing shade and bulb
| Part | Choice | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lamp shade | with or without energy-saving switch | the switch halves the power; suitable for bulbs up to 150 W |
| Hard-glass bulb | 150 or 250 W | sturdy, durable glass |
| Energy-saving bulb | 100 or 175 W | uses less electricity than a standard bulb |
| Colour | red or white | red light is less bright in the house |
So a 250 W bulb does not fit the shade with energy-saving switch. For a small batch of chicks, a lower wattage is often enough; for a pen with lambs or a piglet nest in a cold barn, choose more wattage.
Hanging it securely
A heat lamp gets hot, and straw and wood shavings catch fire quickly. So take no risks:
- Always use a shade; the shades here are splash-proof to IPX4 and have air vents against overheating.
- Keep at least 60 cm between the lamp and the ground.
- Use a chain or bracket to carry the shade; the cable is not made for that. Animals must not be able to touch or knock over the shade.
- Route the cable out of reach of pecking and gnawing animals and use an earthed connection.
The animals tell you whether it is right
If chicks or piglets huddle closely together under the lamp, it is too cold. If they move to the edge or pant, it is too warm. Raise or lower the lamp and always give the animals a cooler spot to go to. Reduce the heat as they grow.
See also: incubators and chicks, lamb care, everything for your pigs, safety in the barn and everything for stable and yard.
Frequently asked questions
How high do I hang a heat lamp above chicks?
At least 60 cm above the ground, and then adjust it to the chicks' behaviour. If they huddle together, the lamp can go lower; if they avoid the lamp, higher.
Is a red bulb warmer than a white one?
No, the colour says nothing about the heat; that depends on the wattage. Red light is less bright, which is why many keepers choose it for a pen with young animals.
Is the bulb included with the lamp shade?
No, the shades are supplied without a bulb. Choose the bulb separately and, with the shade with energy-saving switch, note the maximum of 150 W.