Is it safe to leave this lamp on 24/7?

I brought this lamp http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4308980/Trail/searchtext%3EBLACK+LAMP.htm (catalogue number 430/8980).
and have a blue bulb like this http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31k6cSdw7SL._SL500_AA280_.jpg
which is 40 watts. As soon as I plugged the lamp in it began giving off a high amount of heat (I have still yet to get a thermometer to check the actual temperature). I just wondered if this would be safe to leave on unattended for several weeks for my silkie chicks?

Sorry I don't know the answer to your question but just thought I'd say argos links are messed up, you have to change the "%3E" to ">" or it doesn't work, well for me anyway

hi Claire, I'm a bit worried that the plastic around that lamp holder will melt. It's not designed for a heat bulb. Normal bulbs don't give off that much heat

I would suspend a simple bulb on wire (like a light fitting on ceiling).

I made a load of heat lamps with cable, light fittings & fancy plugs with a switch for £10 from B&Q ... so you could make 1 lamp for pennies. That doesn't answer your question though lol. I had one of those lamps in the computer cupboard and it did get really hot with only a few hours use.

Righto, thanks. I'll see if i can dig the old one out I used for the quails.

Can I ask what the blue bulb is?
Is it just a coloured reflector bulb? I wa goint to buy an infra-red bulb, but now I think I'll use a normal bulb (or reflector) hung from the top of the brooder.

Yes it's a reflector/spot bulb.