Has anyone ever used a heating blanket in their coop?

[Granolamom]

Yes, I know I live in Georgia, and the temps only fall to just below freezing here, but I CAN"T SLEEP AT NIGHT, THINKING THAT MY CHICKLETS ARE COLD!!!!!!!!, and that's why I broke down and bought a heating blanket, which I have placed against the back wall of my 4'x6'x5' coop, with 7 chickens in it.
I turned it on and went inside right before they went in for the night, to check out the temp, and it's not exactly toasty, but definitely warmer than outside (my guess would be 50's , but I definitely need to get a temp gauge in there).
Have any of you chicken peeps ever used a heating blanket, or do you think that's a bad idea?

 

[D&D Mc Chicken]

My First inclination is... They will Pick at it... they may eat it... they may uncover the wire insulation and get ZAPPED!!!

Just my thoughts though.... Not real sure.

If you decide it is safe enough to out weigh the risk… Update us on how it goes.

 

[waynesgarden]

My first inclination is to think you are using a product in a way it is clearly not designed to be used and you are risking setting your coop on fire to warm birds that do not need warming. Chickens don't even blink at a few degrees below freezing.

Without looking at the instructions included with your blanket, I will venture to guess that is says "Always keep the blanket flat." It probably also says something about avoiding moisture. (Can you say that right this minute, condensation isn't building up between the blanket and the wall?) I'm also pretty sure it doesn't say anything about preventing chickens from picking it apart, but I think D&D is on the mark.

An accidental fire is a terrible thing. A preventable fire is worse. If you do feel a need to heat your coop in your relatively mild climate, I would suggest getting a product designed for the purpose and using it properly.

Wayne

[edited for spelling]

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

I just think of all of the poop on it & the possibility of them pecking it & being fried!

It's been below zero here for weeks and I have straw/heat lamps and it's been about 10 degrees warmer than the outside temp, in my coop. I'm still losing birds but I think it's due to them playing in their water.

 

[patandchickens]

Yes, I don't think any of us want to read about you getting electrocuted or the coop burning down, both of which sound EASILY possible with that setup.

I'm guessing *you* prolly don't want those things either.

The safer solution is to adjust your thinking to the fact that chickens are chickens not people or tropical orchids

If you are foolishly (sorry, but really, it would be foolish) determined to heat chickens that don't need it, at least use something *relatively* safer for the purpose, i.e. a lightbulb, NOT A HEAT LAMP, just a regular 100 watt bulb. Hung safely, plugged into something suitable, etc etc.

Really.

With best wishes for everyone's safety,

Pat

 

[LynneP]

There are heating pads designed for livestock, but gosh (gulp) I'd be pulverized with fear at what could happen with an electric blanket.

 

[Granolamom]

Okay, allright, I get it. Before you guys think that I'm a complete idiot, I shoud probably explain that I've done some serious pondering about this, before I did it. I was extremely uncomfortable with the idea of heating lamps, because of the possibility of something catching on fire, since we're talking extreme heat, here. The reason I opted for the blanket was, because I can safely hang it from the back wall of the coop (where they can't reach it, when they're roosting), and basically use it the way it was intended (other than the fact, that instead of a human, it's being used by a flock of chickens). Since they only use their coop for sleeping, there really is no time for them to peck at it or try to uncover the wiring, and I plan to turn it off when I get up (which is when it's still dark out, and definitely before THEY get up).
I realy feel insecure and silly now, though, and will probably turn it off.

 

[Wildsky]

Quote:

don't! You're just a concerned chicken mom, we have all had sleepless nights. I sleep with a down comforter, and my chickens have down "jackets" so I'm happy!

You will be happy to know our temps have dipped down to around -20 or so, and my girls are all FINE in the morning, no frozen chickens here.

 

[LynneP]

Heck, we know you do this because you care...what an adventure this chickenry is...

 

[D&D Mc Chicken]

Hey We Know you care.... Dont feel silly we all learn here.