Ceramic Space Heater in Coop?

[Toddrick]

My coop is small and not insulated. The chickens basically sleep next to a plywood (where windows are closed, but surely leak air) while their heads are only inches below the vent of the roof. Wind protection is still very good, so I don't think I need heat all winter. I'm just thinking that on the worst days a little supplemental heat could be useful.

I have a ceramic bulb that I use in my brooder, but there really isn't any room to hang anything in my coop--especially where the chickens wouldn't bump into it. So a heat lamp is out. However, I have some small ceramic desk heaters that would fit perfectly in an empty nesting box. It seems way safer than a dangling bulb, and since heat rises, it should be more effective. Plus, it has a thermostat that can be turned down quite low. My main concern is how much energy these things might use. Has anyone tried one?

 

[enola]

If the weather is extremely cold and the power goes out, how will your hens handle the extreme cold they are not acclimated to? Have you read about the fires in coops from heaters?

 

[Toddrick]

If the weather is extremely cold and the power goes out, how will your hens handle the extreme cold they are not acclimated to? Have you read about the fires in coops from heaters?

Yes, I've read extensively. That's why I wouldn't use a heat lamp, and why even a ceramic lamp is a no go. This unit would sit firmly in a nest box, and should be safe, especially on low setting. Also, if I only use it when temps get around zero, they shouldn't be dependent on the heat. If I had a larger coop I wouldn't consider heating.