alternative to heat lamps

[starkist72]

i'm setting up the brooder for next weeks hatch and i can't bring myself to put the heat lamp up again. i'm really worried about fire hazard and last time i used it it scorched the wooden dowel i had it clamped to.

there are a bunch of posts on here, but i can't find anything i'm happy with. I'm also thinking about putting my chicks out in the coop during winter (once they're feathered), and if i found something safe i might be able to provide a little heat in case they need it (i don't want to heat the whole coop). i'm not sure i can swing the cost of the ecoglow.

what are some alternatives?
a reptile rock? heating pad?
how about one of those mini space heaters like this one from home depot: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lasko-My...eater-White-101/205418065?N=5yc1vZc4lhZ2bctl0

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I've switched completely to ceramic heat emitters. They can break but don't make a mess like a glass lamp and they're more efficient. I don't know where you are but I would wager your chicks won't need any supplemental heat throughout the winter.
Keep in mind, they're not tropical cage birds. They're outdoor poultry developed in virtually every climate around the globe with no heat and evolved from jungle fowl that range into the Himalayan foothills.

ETA

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161139800976?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[starkist72]

thanks so much, maybe i'll try a ceramic bulb for this hatch. i'll probably just keep them in the house a little bit longer rather than heat the coop