My coop burned down

[IdyllwildAcres]

If I needed a coop in a hurry I would consider a hoop coop...

Good luck

Gary

 

[belindaschicks]

Do you happen to know what voltage your water heater was? 250 or 500?

 

[speedy2020]

Do you happen to know what voltage your water heater was? 250 or 500?

110v in US. The other part of the world use 220v.

 

[aart]

Do you happen to know what voltage your water heater was? 250 or 500?

I think you mean how many watts?

 

[belindaschicks]

I think you mean how many watts?

Yep

 

[bobbi-j]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Regardless of the cause of the fire, I'm glad your chickens are OK and the fire didn't spread further.

 

[blackdog043]

Sorry about your coop. I just started using the same style heater in my bucket. (250 watt) Maybe i'll make a wire frame for it to sit on, instead of the bottom of the bucket.

 

[mistycolleen]

awe this is so sad! i woke up the other night in a complete fit. i dreamt ours burned down with the chickens. we arent using a heater of any kind yet but i was so upset i had to run out there at 3am just to calm myslef. im so very happy for you that you didnt lose any chickens and can absolutely understand your frustration in losing all your hard work. hang in there.

 

[slukeplass22]

...it melted through the bucket and caught the straw on the ground on fire

You may want to consider silicon-free stonedust (commonly known on BYC as "sand" or "construction sand") for your next coop's bedding. Fires won't spread as quickly since stonedust is as flammable as a rock is (this is more of a just-in-case reason - obviously discerning the cause of the fire is foremost). However in extreme cold (I'm guessing below 10 Fahrenheit/-12 Celsius) this is problematic for keeping chickens warm as their feet will get cold. Straw overtop would eliminate the issue in those really cold times, but then you'd be back to square one. Cleanup is just like cleaning a litterbox (do it every few days) and you only need to change it once per year (which takes a lot of sweat).

Just something worth considering. I'm confident you'll pick what's best for your flock.

 

[Sublight]

I would be careful when getting a used coop.
Keep in mind that diseases are spread through poop, or feathers, and goodness knows what else.
You don't want to give your girls something that AJAX wont take off.
My suggestion. Go to Home Depot, buy 1--3 big cardboard boxes, cut some ventilation holes in it, and join it together. 15 dollar temp coop. then get to building your new one.