Heat Lamps

[Alan B]

Although this is officially the third day of summer I am planning what I will do for next winter. I think I made a mistake in designing my coop. Not only is it not insulated but I'm not sure its high enough to install a heat lamp. I bought a small heating lamp and the installation requirements specify a 36" distance from combustibles. I've got the 36" from the floor/bedding but I am not sure if I should consider the hens themselves as combustibles. As they are 18" standing, therefore only 18" away from the heat lamp. I think that's too close. Are they smart enough to stay away from the lamp?

My other option is converting a part of my tool shed into a well insulated heated winter coop, and then back to the summer coop in the spring. I would have a 7 foot ceiling and plenty of space for all five hens.

Can someone tell me if they've used the heating lamps and how they've used them? Timers, etc?

I've read allot about this, so I know all about avoiding drafts and the fact that they are hardy creatures but we do get down to -30 degrees Celcius (-22 f) for weeks in the winter here in Quebec.

 

[Angiebubs]

Hi there!

I live in the midwest and we went a month without the temps rising above zero (many times into the -20s and my flock didnt seem fazed with this. My So bought me a heated ceramic wall tile that we installed (safest way to provide limited heat) and quite honestly, I only saw one hen ever go stand in front of it. I have a large coop 12 ft x 24 ft with only 24 chickens....so there wasnt much shared heat. If you have a smaller coop, they will also heat the coop up slightly just from body heat. I am terrified of using heat lamps, because every year I hear of multiple fires from them. MHO

 

[jetdog]

North east here, no heat no insulation good ventilation and no frostbite. Everyone did just fine with that polar vortex and if that didn't put them to the test I don't know what would. If they get adjusted to the temps they will be able to keep themselves warm,they were built with perfect down coats.

 

[JeanR]

Would like a crusade against use of HEAT LAMPs for poultry, in coops, barns, over baby chicks. One coop fire or your own HOUSE, burned down, is one too many!!

If you place a thermometer under a Heat Lamp, you may be amazed at the temperature registered. And 3 feet at the side, may be many degrees cooler. You can cook your chicks, directly under the lamp, on floor of the coop, and the walls will be COLD. Don't depend upon the chicks to move out from under if they are too warm. ; With the reflector hood, it just cooks what it directs the heat on right beneath--only in a small coop, will it warm the entire area--and still be too warm right under it. Over a roost can cook the birds under it, and the floor will be cold.

A 75W incandescant light will give heat all over, not just below the reflector. Larger space, use two in selected places. Over baby chicks, use the themometer for 95 degrees on the floor, under the light, and lift the light each week to reduce chicks floor temp about 5 degrees per week until they are well feathered and can handle temperatures comparable with that of older chickens.

AND it SAVES electricity~

We used heat lamps over new born calves in winter, to get them dry--then they needed no heat. They could take it for the SHORT time necessary to dry the calves. For chickens NEVER HEAT LAMPS. Alternatives are safer and more effective. IMHO

 

[bustedchicks]

I use a 250w heat lamp in a ceramic socket. It heated a small 3ftx6ft coop pretty well. If you hang it over their roost in a larger coop it is adequate to keep them warm in colder climates.

 

[Alan B]

I am in Quebec, where we've had -20 C to -30 C day and night for weeks now. I've had a heat lamp with 175w lamp in the center of my outdoor run (6x6). The run has been closed off with plastic and drafts have been eliminated except for proper ventilation. The lamp doesn't heat the entire run but seams to reduce humidity. The hens don't roost under it. I give them warm water every morning. It usually freezes by 2 pm. The hens are in good health and still laying an egg a day. I've lost a few eggs that cracked from cold but I'm surprised at how well they've adapted. This was my first winter with my five Road Island Reds. Can't wait for spring though!!