Coop Fire

[Sarah47201]

Tonight around 2:00am local time I went out with the dog and saw smoke coming out of my coop. The heat lamp that was on a timer for the 3 week old chicks (30m on/30m off) fell or was knocked down and started a fire. All 6 chicks were gone and my 2 laying hens. I assume they died of smoke inhalation because the 2 laying hens were laying by the door and their heads only were burned. The chicks didn't look like the fire had touched them.
My heart is broken...and as much pleasure as I got out of my girls and chicks...I don't know if I have it in me to repair the coop and go on. Has anyone had something like this happen and is there any advice you can give me?

 

[nminusyplusm]

Sarah, I'm so terribly sorry this happened to you and your hens and chicks. I am new to chickens and this hasn't happened to me but I've made mistakes and already lost one. I just want you to know you're not alone and I hope you'll rebuild and keep going.

 

[Duckworth]

I'm so sorry for your losses. My family lost a cabin to fire many years ago and my dad was burned, but recovered fully.

Allow yourself time to grieve this loss. You can figure out all of the things that went wrong or could have been done later, when you have had some time to recover. Only then will you know whether you want to begin again and how and when to do that.

Again, I am so sorry for your losses tonight.

 

[Eggcessive]

Very sorry for the fire and your losses. This can be very common, and has made many people reluctant to ever use heat lamps. They are made rather flimsy, and have to been doubly secured.

I do hope that you will take some time to repair your coop while you are dealing with the loss. If you want to start again, then get some spring chicks from a hatchery. Use a heat plate type heater next time, since they are very safe. Premier One sells one that is less expensive than the Brinsea one I have used. Some people also rig up a “ mama heating pad” that some use. I think Blooey has a thread about those.

Sorry this happened, but your writing this thread will probably help many others to be cautious about heat lamps.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Sorry to hear about such a sad incident. Years ago i had ducklings under a lamp in my barn during below zero weather. The lamp was sitting right on a metal cage but a stall door was open and it got windy. A big chunk of hay blew onto the light, got caught right against the bulb, and only luck made me see the smoke in time. I think there are many similar incidents and while that won't make you feel better, you aren't alone.

Welcome and consider taking time to decide at least.