Infrared Heat Lamps & Brooders for Poultry

In most climates, healthy adult chickens do not require supplemental heat in winter if the coop is well-insulated and draft-free. However, heat lamps are recommended for chicks under 6 weeks old, sick or injured birds, or in extreme cold below 0°F. If used, infrared lamps with 96% radiant efficiency are ideal — they heat birds directly without excessively heating coop air.

Yes, but with important safety precautions. Heat lamps must be securely mounted — never hung by the cord — and positioned well away from bedding, feeders, and flammable materials. Use a lamp rated for continuous operation with a minimum 5,000-hour life expectancy. For brooders, a thermostat or temperature controller is strongly recommended to maintain consistent temperatures and prevent overheating overnight.

For chick brooders, 250W infrared heat lamps are the most common choice. Start with a brooder temperature of approximately 95°F directly under the lamp during the first week, then reduce by 5°F each week. Larger brooder spaces or cold climates may require higher-wattage lamps. Fannon Products offers infrared lamps in wattages from 250W and up, with options for precise heat control.

A 250W infrared brooder lamp should typically be positioned 18–24 inches above the bedding surface for newly hatched chicks, achieving approximately 95°F at chick level. Adjust height weekly as chicks grow and require less heat. Watch chick behavior — if they crowd directly under the lamp, lower it; if they avoid the area, raise it to reduce temperature.

High-quality infrared heat lamps, like those manufactured by Fannon Products, are rated for 5,000+ hours of continuous operation. In a brooder running 24 hours per day, that equates to approximately 200 days of use. Lamps designed with good thermal shock resistance perform more reliably in outdoor and barn environments where temperature fluctuations are common.

Short-wave infrared lamps produce higher-intensity heat with instant response, making them effective for spot brooding. Medium-wave infrared lamps emit gentler, more diffuse heat that is less visually bright, which can be less stressful for birds in enclosed coops. For most poultry brooding applications, medium-wave or specially coated lamps offer a comfortable balance of warmth and reduced light glare.