HEAT LAMP FIRE

[rosemarythyme]

I use a reptile heat lamp attached to the side of a plastic tote. The chicks started jumping out so now it is attached to a wooden chair beside the brooder with a metal grate underneath. This is the best picture I have. Underneath the towel is a metal guinea pig cage cover. I have raised 3 batches of chicks and have never had any problems. I know it is not the safest but the brooder plates aee so darn expensive.
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When they are little it is clipped on the tote.
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You should reconsider how you're attaching it - the clamp is the highest point of failure in these things. Every heat lamp should be securely hung by the hanging loop (and in many cases folks also hang the cord as a just-in-case), with the clamp providing support.

The wood chair, towel and plastic tote are all burn hazards with the temperatures these things can run at.

 

[The-White-Elephant]

Weird. I've used the same one for years, and it's been good. Perhaps yours got too much power.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Just a thought to those who use heat lamps...it's the dust created by the birds that ignites. Ours was hung securely in rafter.

I've had 2 friends also burn coops down.

The extra dollars for a heat pad or plate is worth the thousands possible, plus human life not just animal life.

Me. I went out and purchased a notoriously broody Silkie hen who safely hatched, brooded, and integrated my early days of regrowing my flock. I only broody hatch now and have a designated broody hutch.

Do what works for you. Be safe.

LofMc

 

[AfiafiAfi]

Even after my heat lamp caught on fire and fused,I still use them,but in a more secure way so I know that they aren’t touching anything bound to catch on fire,heat lamps do actually work and I know many of still use them after accidents,there’s nothing wrong with using them if you can use it carefully,if so,there’s nothing to worry about,especially the horrid idea of your entire coop on fire.

 

[The Moonshiner]

OP, want to share more details about what you were using?
Brand of dome? It's rating? Type of bulb? Watts? Etc.
I've used them for years and I'm aware there's risks. Also well aware of just how much dust can accumulated on them.
Keep them clean people. Also there's cheap domes that are only rated from small wattage bulbs. You can't buy those and throw a 125 or 250 watt heat bulb in them.
I use the ones with ceramic socket and higher rating. Then the smallest wattage bulb I can get away with.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Ignore the goat, she was in labor. Notice the heat lamp box. First thing i do when i buy a lamp is get rid of the clamp. They can come apart. I build a box with a door on one side so i can clean the lamp and change the bulb if needed. I also use these in the brooders i build.