Brooder lamp question

[cluckmecoop7]

Can these start fires? Are they safe for the house and the chicks?

Thanks

Pic from google search

 

[Ridgerunner]

I've never used one but I'd think they are as safe from fire as any and better than some. You need to be careful of the wiring going to them, extension cords or whatever system you are using. Keep the plugs dry and dust-free. Make sure the chicks cannot unplug or partially unplug it by perching on wiring. Same exact thing with any other system.

As for the device itself, make sure the wires are connected so you don't get sparks from loose wires. And keep it dry. I'd feel very comfortable using one of those as long as it is in good shape.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

@chickenlover2014 We were just talking about this today.....

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

I have not used that brand in the pic but do use a Brinsea eco glow heat plate. For me personally far less of a fire risk compared to a lamp. Never had an issue with mine and would highly recommend. Chicks love snuggling up underneath & I feel it replicates a hen well.
Excellent points there from @Ridgerunner

 

[Melky]

Can these start fires? Are they safe for the house and the chicks?

Thanks

View attachment 1660266
Pic from google search

Safe if used properly according to manufacturers recommendations.

 

[paneubert]

Other than the "if you cut the power plug in half and then rub it in shavings while poking it with a metal fork while plugged in" situation, it should be safe. The underside (and the top) is made of plastic. The only metal in it would be in the heating coil and the cord. So as long as you are not breaking anything apart, it will be fine. The underside should be in the 120-130 degree range, which is well below the combustion temperature for paper/wood. I found a source that says pine sawdust didn't combust until 413 degrees. Paper is usually said to be around 451 degrees (like the book/movie title).

 

[Acre4Me]

The underside (and the top) is made of plastic.

Hmmm...pretty sure the heat plate on the underside on mine is metal (looks same as this pic, but mine is the extra large one). But otherwise, you are right, they run cooler than the combustion point of brooder materials.

They also run at low wattage, which is nice. They are open on all sides, so no-one gets smooched by other chicks and cant get out.

However, ANYTHING electric that is plugged in and drawing electricity does have the ability to catch fire....but, if in good condition, plugged in correctly, etc electrical items are generally regarded as safe.

 

[paneubert]

Hmmm...pretty sure the heat plate on the underside on mine is metal (looks same as this pic, but mine is the extra large one).

Double check yours. Knock on it or tap with your finger or something. I also have the "big" version of this same one (weird looking hen image on the top and all, with the word comfort or something weird in cursive script) and I can assure you mine is a grey plastic. Hopefully I did not get some janky knockoff. Haha! Who knows. Got mine from Amazon.

 

[Acre4Me]

Double check yours. Knock on it or tap with your finger or something. I also have the "big" version of this same one (weird looking hen image on the top and all, with the word comfort or something weird in cursive script) and I can assure you mine is a grey plastic. Hopefully I did not get some janky knockoff. Haha! Who knows. Got mine from Amazon.

Hmmm...I also purchased from Amazon. I'll have to trek out to the barn to see, since it is currently stored there. I haven't used it for several months since the last batch of chicks were adopted/warmed by a momma hen.

 

[paneubert]

Hmmm...I also purchased from Amazon. I'll have to trek out to the barn to see, since it is currently stored there. I haven't used it for several months since the last batch of chicks were adopted/warmed by a momma hen.

Either way, I think we all agree that a plate is safer than a bulb. When I used to brood quail, my laser thermometer read something pretty close to, if not above combustion temperatures when pointed at a standard red heat bulb. Think it was significantly higher when pointed at a ceramic IR bulb.

Edit: Yikes.....check out this from Google.

"The ceramic heater is the most efficient infrared emitters on the market because it operates best between the temperature range of 300 to 700 degrees Celsius (575- 1292 degrees Fahrenheit) producing infrared wave lengths in the 2- 10 micron range."

So yeah.....don't drop your reptile heat emitter into your brooder shavings.....