How to Build a Heat Lamp for Chicks

If you are going to get eggs and incubate them for hatching chicks, then you'll need a heat source. Assuming that you are going to hatch the chicks in a temperature-controlled room, a simple heat lamp will do. Here's how to make it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 40- or 60-watt lightbulb Styrofoam incubator water tray for humidity thermometer temperature-controlled room wet bulb thermometer for checking humidity levels

1. Test out your heat source. If you are using a Styrofoam incubator, depending on the size, you'll likely need a 40- or 60-watt lightbulb for your heat source. Try both bulbs and see which bulb maintains a temperature of between 99 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the thermometer inside and close the lid. Wait at least an hour and test your bulbs.

2. Set up your heat source. Once you have determined which wattage is best, set up your incubator with your heat source. Check the temperature every few hours to be sure it is maintaining a steady temperature with no more than a degree or two of fluctuation.

3. Check your humidity levels. The humidity should be between 50 % and 55 % relative humidity except for the last few days of incubation, where humidity levels can rise to 65 % relative humidity. Humidity is easy to check using a wet bulb thermometer and a conversion chart. Once you get your temperature and humidity levels regulated, you'll be all set to hatch chicks at home.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to open or close the vent in your incubator to get the temperature regulated.
• Heat that is too high is just as dangerous as heat that is too low. Be sure to maintain a consistent 99 to102 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the incubation period.