Heat lamp vs Heating Pad

[YvonneBack]

With winter coming, this weekend we dusted off the heat lamp and checked the wiring to make sure it was ready to go when chilly nights arrive here in the Bay Area of California. Now I know it cannot possibly compare to the 'real' winter many chicken lovers on this forum have, that being said, what with Chelsy deciding to go into full molting she is gonna get chilly in the house with her bff without some heat source. Every winter I worry about the safety re the combination of straw and heat lamp even though the lamp is a good 4+ feet over the straw bedding I still get worried. Is a heating pad a better idea? and if so, what about the possibility of scratching and pecking at the pad? Or do you think the heat lamp is fine? I have two roosting bars so they can either get close to the lamp or scootch away from it.

 

[DobieLover]

With winter coming, this weekend we dusted off the heat lamp and checked the wiring to make sure it was ready to go when chilly nights arrive here in the Bay Area of California. Now I know it cannot possibly compare to the 'real' winter many chicken lovers on this forum have, that being said, what with Chelsy deciding to go into full molting she is gonna get chilly in the house with her bff without some heat source. Every winter I worry about the safety re the combination of straw and heat lamp even though the lamp is a good 4+ feet over the straw bedding I still get worried. Is a heating pad a better idea? and if so, what about the possibility of scratching and pecking at the pad? Or do you think the heat lamp is fine? I have two roosting bars so they can either get close to the lamp or scootch away from it.

It is completely unnecessary to provide supplemental heat anywhere in California.
I've had hens go through a hard molt when temps dipped into single digits. One hen hunkered down in a nest box for the night, the other stuck to the roost. Both were out in the run in the morning.
Heat lamps IMHO should NEVER be in a coop in any manner. It's too dangerous and not worth the risk.

 

[M Brennen]

This year we are trying out the Cozy Coop.
https://www.cozyproducts.com/products/cozy-coop

I have heard good things about it’s safety, uses less wattage, and the birds can warm when they want.

 

[YvonneBack]

This year we are trying out the Cozy Coop.
https://www.cozyproducts.com/products/cozy-coop

I have heard good things about it’s safety, uses less wattage, and the birds can warm when they want.

Thanks for that info and link. Worth considering.

 

[YvonneBack]

It is completely unnecessary to provide supplemental heat anywhere in California.
I've had hens go through a hard molt when temps dipped into single digits. One hen hunkered down in a nest box for the night, the other stuck to the roost. Both were out in the run in the morning.
Heat lamps IMHO should NEVER be in a coop in any manner. It's too dangerous and not worth the risk.

Tonya,
Thanks, however I don't agree with you as far as heat not needed 'anywhere in California', but as I mentioned heat lamp and hay does have me concerned and I appreciate your warning of the danger.
Does anyone on here have further advise re heating pad or other heat source besides heat lamp?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I also say NO to a heat lamp in a coop with grown birds.

Definitely not needed in California.

One year we had negative 16 for the low with a naked leghorn. Yup hard molt in sub zero temps. Hubs felt sorry for her so put a sealed oil heater in the coop on low. EVERY chicken avoided that entire end of the coop. That confirmed for me that they do not need added heat.

 

[aart]

I don't agree with you as far as heat not needed 'anywhere in California',

Most of it anyway, there are mountainous areas that can get gnarly.
But the Bay area, pffft.......no need for any heat.

 

[jreardon1918]

If you must decide between Heat lamp and heating pad. I would pick whatever you have and make sure that you never plug it in. That should help prevent combustion.

 

[YvonneBack]

Most of it anyway, there are mountainous areas that can get gnarly.
But the Bay area, pffft.......no need for any heat.

The responses I've gotten re no heat source needed has me greatly puzzled, however I bow to your expertise. That being said, then would shavings be a 'warmer' nesting vs straw during the chilly nights?

 

[jreardon1918]

Our coop has pine shavings and a decent amount of ventilation. The coop is always dry. The humidity/temp stays close to the outdoor conditions. The chicks/hens have done well for 3 1/2 years. The lowest temp I recall is about -5F. Our chicks roost 20" above the pine shavings. Hopefully this helps.