I'm worried about causing a fire..

[pdpatch]

We use Milk house heaters. They have fans built in to move the heat around, and if they are tipped over they shut off. It
also has a build in thermostat to help regulate the tempeture.

We do set them on metal platforms about a foot off the ground, and surounded by chicken wire, about 4 to 5 inches from the heater on all other sides.

Last year we had it at near ground level, but one of the hens singed here tails feather. So we moved them up some this year.

The problem with oil filled heaters is they radiate and do not move the heat around.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

We've always hung our heat lamps from metal chains, using sturdy metal hardware as connectors. We usually hang them from the rafters. You just put some type of hardware on the ends, loop through the lamp or around the rafter and then hook back onto the chain. I like using c-links for the hardware, as they're quite sturdy and close. Don't use something like an s-hook!

I know someone on here connects to the lamp at 2 different places, for extra security. That's a good idea, if you can do it. Our old lamp is pretty sturdy, but I don't know what the newer ones are like. You could always use wire for the 2nd attachment point, if necessary.

We started with the chain, because it was easy to adjust the height when brooding, in addition to being secure.

 

[newchickmom]

I attach a small chain to hang my heat lights, and have the wire gaurds on them.

 

[patandchickens]

I think it shows good sense to be leery of heatlamps. Even WITHOUT the animal-behavior thing factored in, they still cause an awful lot of barn fires. You may dismiss this as 'aw, won't happen to me, I'm careful' but I have seen too many people feel that way right up to where the firetrucks have to be called in.

If you're going to use a heatlamp, and I will agree that for things like "I have a mare going to foal in February" you may really need one, the best you'll do for safety is like this:

-make certain the circuit is rated for that amount of load (a heatlamp draws a lot more current than a regular lightbulb or radio or whatever)

-suspend the heatlamp from two different points on the lamp fixture (i.e. at least one of them must NOT be the cord!) going to two different VERY STRONG SECURE points on the ceiling or whatever. This gives you a backup in case something fails.

-use nonflammable suspension -- chain, heavy fencewire, that sort of thing, and secure it very very well to both lamp and ceiling.

-the guard must be in place; in fact if you have chickens you may want to double the guard (four crosspieces instead of just 2)

And only use a heatlamp when you HAVE TO, not just because you feel bad for the poor widdle chickies (who are wearing down coats fer cryin' out loud

)

A very safe way of heating your coop would be one of the passive solar designs discussed on other threads on this forum. Obviously it will only provide daytime heating but that will prevent your coop from getting as cold at nighttime.

Honestly though unless you have somewhat unusual or tiny or giant-combed chickens I do not see much likelihood that you even NEED heat in Massachusetts

Have fun,

Pat

 

[cheeze]

Quote:
I use three clamp style heat lamps in my chick barn .

I always just get them where i want them the drive a wood staple around the clamp where it CAN NOT drop.

I use the kind of staples for running romex wire.

i normally only drive it up half way so i can move my lamps easy. when the litter gets deep under the lamps i move them to a new spot in the barn.


never had a lamp drop.

 

[redhen]

thanks everyone for the ideas and help!..its much appreciated.., Wendy

 

[Dar]

Quote:
you are awsome!!!!!...gotta go look for one now

 

[NCchickenlady]

Quote:
LOL..if necessary..yes!..i dont wanna fry them....(until ii have the batter ready!)..

..but honestly..i dont want a fire!..my birds fly around in there a little bit..and it would only take one to hit it and knock it down...the clamps wont cut it for safety...how else can i secure them?..thanks

Zip ties!!
I raise puppies in the house and use a heat lamp for about two weeks, I had the same issue worried mom would get up and knock the lamp so I zip tied the lamp to a piece of wood, works great!! Easy to take down too!