Heater for a coop

[Ahearn16]

Hey all! I have 3 week old and 2 week old chicks (21 in total). The brooder inside is getting cramped quick.

I was looking at an infrared heater to mount in the coop until they are fully feathered. The lows will be in the 40’s starting next week.

I am deciding between a heating plate mounted or an infrared heater mounted. I don’t want to heat the coop just provide them warmth until they are fully feathered. Where do you mount them? Pros cons? I think they will be much happier with more room.

 

[nuthatched]

Can you get a bigger indoor brooder?

 

[Chickens are awsome]

I haven't used either but I was looking into a heat plate similar to that one. at the moment I use a heat lamp hung high enough that they can't burn feathers. that has worked well for now...

 

[Ahearn16]

Can you get a bigger indoor brooder?

The brooder is pretty large. I have 2 warmers in it, 2 waterers, 2 feeders, and a small roosting bar. 21 growing chickens though.. it’s getting small quick! I see people move them outside in the first week with a heat source and be fine. I just wanted to give them the best chance by starting inside.

 

[DobieLover]

I'd go with the cozy coop heater. I would mount it in a low corner of the coop and put a large box in the coop is such a way to shield any drafts to make the area near the heater warmer. Put the food and water on the opposite side of the coop.
When I bought chicks, I brooded outside from they day they arrive. I've never raised chicks in the house and never would. They need tons of fresh air, sunshine, ambient temperatures and a natural circadian rhythm. The last brood I purchased was outside in a NY spring when the night time temps went as low as 23F during their second week. They thrived.
Now I only have broodies hatch and raise chicks for me. The second large brood was hatched 5 days before a snow storm. They all thrived under mom.

 

[deidreg]

Go for the plate. Don't risk a coop fire. So many heartbreaking stories about coop fires on this website.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[aart]

I have 2 warmers in it

What warmers are you using?
Can you just move those to the coop?