my coop burned down, need heating ideas

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Do your breeds of chickens REALLY need to be kept above freezing, or if they do would you consider swapping for a breed (there are many) that *don't*. Hands-down that is the easiest, cheapest and safest solution.

Then you could rely just on good design (plenty insulation, decent solar gain during the day, thermal mass to slow the loss of heat at night, a popcan type solar panel if you want or something like that, and if you *really* think you need it you can also section off the roosting area so their body heat is concentrated there at night) and not have to run up your utility bill and/or risk another fire.

Really truly, sensibly chosen breeds in dry air with no drafts and adequate food will do FINE for WELL below freezing.

Best of luck, and condolences on your coop fire,

Pat

 

[orcasislandchickens]

I have been using an electric heating mat made for heating kennels, and a light bulb in the tiny roosting area of my coop to give the hens a warm place to go. I just bought an electric panel heater of molded plastic (you know the kind they advertise for under a desk to keep your legs warm). It was cheap, less than 50 bucks including shipping I plan to use it along one wall and do away with the light. In your area it may be more cost effective to simply include a small but proper heating system in the design, when you rebuild your coop. You could always partition the interior and use the extra room for storage of chicken things and household items if the coop needs to be larger than you want in order to heat it.

 

[54smokepole]

I don't know if they need to be above freezing or not. 20 below zero is 52 degrees below the freezing point, and that seems kind of extreme. It will get 30 to 40 below (fahreneheit) and I think some kind of supplemental heat is nice.

I did have winter hardy breeds, buff orpingtons, speckled sussex, australorps. Last winter I had a australorp rooster and he got frostbite on his comb before I put a heat lamp in there.

 

[crzychicken]

so sorry to hear about your fire.I wire my heat lamps threw the holes also so if it does get knock down it's not coming down. I also make sure the cord is wraped around and slip knotted around the center beam of the coop and clamped on so that it's holds up to some flying chickens..
when you build a new coop you can plan what you want to heat it with so many options good luck .

 

[ams3651]

I have a heat lamp on a vertical board under the roost, think "T". I have it nailed on both sides of the clamp and duct tape around it several times. For the most part it is out of their way. On occasion I have found it turned out a little but because its nailed fast it doesnt fall down its just the adjustable part that makes it move. I have that and a heated dog bowl plugged into a remote control divice I bought that was for christmas tree lights, I use the remote control to turn it on and off.

 

[pips&peeps]

I use those cheapie little "milk house" plug in heaters. I have enough room that they sit outside of the actual area where the chickens are.

I usually have to replace them every year as the dust and dander gets them plugged up and they die. They do turn off if they get knocked over.

I do have electric outlets in my coops too.

My big coop is insulated well enough that the chickens' body heat keeps it warm.

 

[equus2]

Terribly sorry to hear about your fire. If you are interested in hatching eggs, I will send you a dozen - purebred silkies (8) and purebred Mottled Javas (4). Please let me know. What a loss for you. Hope you're able to rebuild quickly.

 

[54smokepole]

Thank you for the kind offer of eggs. I will have to pass though. It won't get very warm here for at least a month. I won't be able to start rebuilding until the ground thaws sometime in late april.

 

[Guitartists]

Sorry to hear about your coop and hens

You might look into Solar Furnaces... there was even a thread not too long ago about them. Granted, they only work actively when the sun is out... but if your coop is insulated and draft-free... I would imagine that enough of the heat from the day combined with the natural body heat of the birds... it could carry them through quite comfortably or at least help to take the chill off.

 

[elizwlsn]

Sorry to hear of your loss. I would be devastated as I imagine you are.

Premier sells heat lamps that LOOK safer. I have the standard metal ones with the little cage type cover over the bulb for my puppy litters but for the goats and chickens I am wanting to get the one Premier sells. I wouldn't feel safe with the metal one out there but these are really covered well with heavy duty plastic. Premier products are usually good quality and well thought out and being made for sheep and goats or chickens I would be willing to bet they are up to job without being a fire hazard. I also like the plug they sell that shuts off above freezing so you don't have to worry about turning them on and off.

Elizabeth