Has anyone ever used a heating blanket in their coop?

[Imp]

Granolamom, you are a good chicken mom. I have a small elec heater hung in the coop, where they cannot reach it. It usually keeps the coop at about 40-45 degrees. Monday I went out and the thermostat had stuck. The hens were stretched out on lawn chairs enjoying their 80 degree sauna. They seemed VERY relaxed. Now they have a new heater.

 

[WestTexasFarmboy]

Just to add another note, my cousins had an electric blanket catch on fire back in the early 70s. While they were sleeping under it!! I feel sure they are much safer now, but I still remember that, and I still don't use them either

 

[Nikki28]

We use an actual little 750W heater from wal-mart Justin fastened it in a really big rubber maid box so it is suspended in the center with a hole in the front and back of the box and grating so the chickens couldn't get to it if they wanted to. We then got that hard plastic protection thing for the cord and finally made a tent over the coop of heavy duty tarp. The heater is outside of the coop but under the tent it keeps it between 50 and 55 degrees.

I realize that we are probably being a little psychotic over the girls but they are so happy at night and it prevents the water from freezing It helps too that I can see them by looking out the window to make sure that all is well.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

In 13 years as a firemen I've never seen a fire started from a electric blanket.(not saying its a good idea) Light bulbs an electric heaters are more dangerous. That being said anything that creates heat is a fire hazard. Any building with electricity should have an appropriate fire alarm.

If your just wanting to warm the birds as they sleep why heat the whole coop? Just heat the roosts. Heat radiates strait up so the birds would get the most heat for the least amount of energy. Cheep thermostat controlled heater in a metal box, use a pc fan an duct the hot air from the box threw roosts made of pipe an back to box.

 

[rays123]

as long as you keep it on a low setting you should be fine. my grandmas been using heated blankets in her coop for years and there fine, just staple it up against the back wall and make sure they cant get btwn the wall and blanket bc she lost a pullet like that one time.

and for all the people who are saying it doesnt get that cold in GA i guess thats why it was 10 degrees monday morning w/o the wind chill factored in and im considered to be in the suburbs of ATL

 

[ams3651]

they will be fine without it, it was 10* inside my coop the other day and they were just fine. If you want to add a little heat get a brooder lamp and 250w bulb.

 

[lovemychix]

Quote:
Same with me. It is single digits here and I just add the 250 bulb and they seem fine. I put it over there water and it keeps it from freezing and they get some heat too.

Remember: Chickens have feathers. We use down in our winter coats to keep us warm. Feathers are natures insulator.