Coop Heater

I've read in other posts that folks are using tape with wiring in it for hatcher warmth. Maybe this will work? It's originally designed for reptile tanks.

 

If your chickens are grown, get rid of any added heat source, because they don't need it anyway.
Jack

 

Heat lamps come in a 'red bulb' that does not irritate them as much.
Pet stores may have options on light bulbs for reptiles that do not give off light but give off heat.
There are some chicken coop warming devices that are ceramic and the chickens can sit next to them or not. They are safe and no light issues.

 

Adult chickens don't need a heater. They've been living in the cold for thousands of years just fine. They will be ok, the feathers keep them warm.

 

Quote:The ceramic bulbs that they sell for reptiles get very hot and can start fires easily. You might be thinking of those flat panel heaters.

 

Quote:How cold can they take it ? 0*, 32* ??? before heat is needed .

 

I live in New England and my chickens had no problems with a few degrees below zero last winter, no heat.

 

How about -30 to -40, with a -50 to -60 windchill, still think they can handle it, the coop would be -20 for sure in that weather, a real pain, for both chicken and owners.
I have read a fair bit on this topic, and live ina super cold climate, not just 0 a few times,heck 0 is a nice January day. I really think folks that live in warmer climates or even more temperate areas, have no idea how cold it can get in place like where I live.
Having said all this, my parents and grandparents raised chickens without heat or insulated coops, but the birds did not like the super cold, survived, but maybe had shorter lives because of it.
Yes dry, well vented is superior, but bitter nasty cold is a bugger too deal with, any of you ever drive a car/truck at -40, you hope and pray you don't break down, exhaust fog at every stop light, and very stiff suspension, things break easy at those temps.....RR

 

Just a thought...
I have seen ceramic heat bulbs that work in the existing sockets used for the red and clear bulbs. Not sure on reliability.
Perhaps an oil heater? They do not get as hot and are a sealed unit rather like a radiant heater for old homes.
I have 2 just in case we get below 0 here and I am in Colorado.
I may not need it but feel better having them even if we do not get that cold.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...vpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_4d2lp77uuo_b

The ceramic bulb style is lower down on the page.

Personally I feel safer with....

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...ectric-_-25817&ci_sku=25817&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}&gclid=CPWvv-jY6LMCFaU5QgodCH4AmQ