Heat Lamp exploded

[iceplyr]

I know there are other threads but this is odd so I started a new one. Today I bought a new 300w heat lamp and 2 250w heat lamp bulbs. I put a bulb in the lamp and then hung it up and then plugged the lamp in and the bulb lit up as it should. Not more than 15 seconds later the bulb exploded. Any ideas why? Everything is dry and new. I have it plugged into a dusk to dawn timer with another lamp as well. That lamp is MUCH older and has never had any problems. If it were an electrical cord issue, I would think it would affect both but like I said the other lamp works great. I'm going to try again tomorrow in the daylight but does anyone have any ideas why this would happen? BOTH are brand new.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[JuliaWesterbeek]

That is very odd, I have never had a problem like that. Maybe try to put a bulb that is less watt (just in case the lamp isn't actually 300 watts)

 

[Blooie]

This isn't the first time I've heard of exploding heat lamps, and there's a possibility that there was a minute crack in the bulb that wasn't visible to the naked eye. Those things are jostled around pretty much in packaging, shipping and warehousing.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Can I ask why you are using a heat lamp? Sounds like you all are OK though?

 

[iceplyr]

Ok. I bought a new lamp and it jas fixed the problem so it was a defective lamp drawing too much current. Thank you all so much for your input I appreciate it greatly,
Mike

 

[iceplyr]

"Can I ask why you are using a heat lamp? Sounds like you are OK though?"

It was because we were well below freezing so I give them a place to stay warm at night and even during the day if it stays under freezing during daytime. I have 2 coops but I don't want to take any chances

 

[JackE]

"Can I ask why you are using a heat lamp? Sounds like you are OK though?"

It was because we were well below freezing so I give them a place to stay warm at night and even during the day if it stays under freezing during daytime. I have 2 coops but I don't want to take any chances

"Can I ask why you are using a heat lamp? Sounds like you are OK though?"

It was because we were well below freezing so I give them a place to stay warm at night and even during the day if it stays under freezing during daytime. I have 2 coops but I don't want to take any chances

Unless you have some kind of thinly feathered exotic breeds, you DO NOT need a heatlamp. Chickens can easily handle the cold. You were lucky. Every year, on this forum, we read about coop fires, from the not-so lucky. Do your birds a favor, and get rid of the lamp.

 

[KayTee]

Unless you have some kind of thinly feathered exotic breeds, you DO NOT need a heatlamp. Chickens can easily handle the cold. You were lucky. Every year, on this forum, we read about coop fires, from the not-so lucky. Do your birds a favor, and get rid of the lamp.

I agree with JackE - you may think you are doing the nice thing for your birds by giving them extra heat, but there are two main things that you need to consider:

1. The risk of electrical problems causing a fire in your coop (you have already experienced something that could have been a lot worse than it was)

2. What happens if there is a power cut and your heat lamp no longer works? If your birds are used to additional heat then suddenly losing it without warning will cause them more suffering than never having provided it in the first place.

Chickens are covered in a lovely fluffy natural duvet, and they produce masses of heat - put your hand underneath a bird on the roost and you will see just how warm they get!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I agree with JackE - you may think you are doing the nice thing for your birds by giving them extra heat, but there are two main things that you need to consider:

1. The risk of electrical problems causing a fire in your coop (you have already experienced something that could have been a lot worse than it was)

2. What happens if there is a power cut and your heat lamp no longer works? If your birds are used to additional heat then suddenly losing it without warning will cause them more suffering than never having provided it in the first place.

Chickens are covered in a lovely fluffy natural duvet, and they produce masses of heat - put your hand underneath a bird on the roost and you will see just how warm they get!

Agreed, that's why I asked....

It can be harder for the birds to transition between indoor and outdoor temperature.

"Can I ask why you are using a heat lamp? Sounds like you are OK though?"

It was because we were well below freezing so I give them a place to stay warm at night and even during the day if it stays under freezing during daytime. I have 2 coops but I don't want to take any chances

The most important thing is that you have proper ventilation. It is moisture build up that causes frost bite on combs.

The chickens are essentially wearing a down parka. Ever let one sit on your lap? Toasty under there!

 

[jpaustin]

We had ours for days and it exploded, same thing. Freaking glass shards all over the baby chicks, their water and food, luckily I was nearby when it happened and don't think they were hurt or ingested anything, but what in the world?!