Alert: deadly unmarked bulbs

[Chemguy]

I'm sorry to hear of this. I would inform the company. If you did not buy direct, then I would also inform the distributor. True, they might just send you coupons for more bulbs. Or, they might do nothing. However, it is also possible that they need to be informed of this so that they might take appropriate action as a result, like labelling the product.

 

[Princess Guinea]

We are taking action. We are distributing information to all sources and continue to spread the word during this critical baby chick time. We thank all of the peeps that sent us their kind words! Please, if you have the chance please send the McMurray article to all your local "chick day" stores. http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/20...nt-bulbs-a-potential-danger-to-your-chickens/ Thanks again

 

[bj taylor]

i went to tractor suppy yesterday to buy a replacement bulb. i intended to buy a 'brooder bulb', assuming there was such a thing. they directed me to heat bulbs. almost all of them had the teflon on them. i brought the issue to the attention of the only person available at the time. she looked at me like i was crazy & i could tell it was not significant information to her. i thought, being chick time & their "chick days" event is rapidly approaching, they would want to address (at least look into it). no.

 

[Princess Guinea]

YIKES. PLEASE CALL THE MANAGER AND ASK TO PLACE A COPY OF THE ARTICLE NEXT TO THE BULBS AND CHICKS- at least it's worth a try http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/20...nt-bulbs-a-potential-danger-to-your-chickens/

 

[Oregon Blues]

I checked the packaging on my brooder bulbs (outdoor spots) and they seem to be OK. Well, I know they are OK, because I have been using them with no problem.

The on-line photos of the Teflon lined bulbs look like the Teflon is dull in appearance. Teflon is not shiny. My bulbs that I have already safely used have a very shiny, almost mirror-like, silver coating at the base.

If nothing else, the little household light bulbs, like you put into a reading lamp, would not be Teflon coated. If your brooder is out of the weather, you can use one of those bulbs with a reflective hooded drop light.

The Teflon bulbs on-line looked quite expensive. I always buy the cheapies when they are on sale, so cheaper bulbs might also be safer.

I don't use any bulb bigger than 100 watts. The big heat lights (250 watts) give out too much heat, so I don't buy them. The Teflon coating appears to be for heat lamps, so staying away from the big wattage bulbs might be a good idea.

 

[bj taylor]

the teflon i saw was on the threads of the bulb to ensure no 'sticking' when screwing them on or off. it came up the neck of the bulb a little. the box indicated 'non-stick' or some such verbage.

 

[Princess Guinea]

This part of any bulb gets hot. Wouldnt trust it

 

[Chemguy]

Thinking of this thread, I went looking for information. I came across the following by Darrel Styles, DVM at Texas A&M: http://www.oldworldaviaries.com/text/styles/teflon.html

 

[Princess Guinea]

Thank you again. We have tried to circulate the links to both articles on all forums on birds. We appreciate all this support


[quote name="Princess Guinea" url="/t/630129/alert-deadly-unmarked-bulbs#post_

Our research both on the web and in stores indicates that in most cases the bulbs are not marked.
Please check all your bulbs! If the re is any indication of any coating do not use.
Please read this article if you read nothing else- it was posted by another member in caring response to our tragedy , http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/20...nt-bulbs-a-potential-danger-to-your-chickens/
Also
http://www.oldworldaviaries.com/text/styles/teflon.html [/quote]

And friends on the Guinea Site posted:



Thank you for this warning (General Discussion)
by BarbaraNH , New Hampshire, USA, Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 09:38 @ Princess Guinea

I am so sorry this happened to you and your flock. I can't even imagine how awful it must have been for you, but I appreciate you posting about your sad experience. I know that your alert will save the lives of other birds. I was not aware of shatterproof bulbs being a danger to my poultry. Now that I know I will certainly check what I am using at this time and keep this warning in mind for any future bulb purchases.

I found a couple of other links about PTFE products that should be of interest:

Shatter Resistant Bulbs Dangerous to Poultry
http://voices.yahoo.com/shatter-resistant-bulbs-dangerous-poultry-7913000.html?cat=53

A Silent Killer of Birds in our Care: Heat Generated PTFE Fumes
http://424pets.com/fumes.html

 

[lambchicks]

thank you for sharing this.