Oil radiator heater

[Acre4Me]

actually, the first reason NOT to use that heater that came to me was the fact that their thermostats are set to come on and heat to 65F or higher. You would have some very confused chickens...cold but when it’s really cold...it’s hot! Remind her that they walk around wearing a down coat all the time.

We added electric to the coop. We added a heat lamp with the wire cage above the roosts (ladder style roosts and lamp is centered). This is doubly secured. It is plugged into a temp controller so I programmed it to turn heat lamp (red light) on at 15F. The temp differential is 3.5F, so it will turn off at 18.5F. I didn’t want to add heat but my spouse and youngest child were pro-heat, so this was our compromise. This temp controller also has the ability to plug in a cooling item-for example an exhaust fan if coop gets too warm.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Just wanted to add. I have a couple of them radiator heaters in my house and they get very hot. If a chicken decides to jump on top, they will get burned. You will need to prevent them access. I would also worry about dust getting through the ventilation in the heater.
Better to get a panel heater made for coops. Like janjan1 said.
I wouldn't get one for my coops unless temps dropped to -20 F, for my full size chickens. My hens have survived two winters with days of -13 to -15 F. This winter season has only got down to 9 F.
Bantams and especially chickens with feathers that don't over lap, may/will need heat sooner. A heater made for coops. GC

 

[thumper650]

I have a similar situation Bruce. My husband says they need heat and water at night, I say they don't need either because we have ducks, which from what I understand are more cold hardy than chickens.

I compromised, with buying a Cozy Coop heater from mypet chicken.com. It's very safe and a flat panel that they can get away from if they want. I think it was $40. I recommend mounting it to the wall.
I give them a chicken waterer at night, so they can't make a mess.

 

[aart]

That's probably one of the safer ways to heat,
tho the thermostat is not meant for outdoor temps-so that could be a problem.
And a well ventilated coop will not 'hold heat' so it's money down the drain IMO.

If you're an electrician you surely will make sure the entire power source is a safe one.

First thought is they'll roost on and poop all over it...better put some kind of a cover on the top. Not sure if the surface temps would be an issue...might have to enclose the whole thing with mesh so they can't touch it at all.
GoodLuckMan!

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I'm sorry, but I am totally against electrical heating in any coop. Two years ago a turkey farmer near me lost a large barn full of turkeys due to a heater. Too risky. The birds don't need it and sorry if this sounds stupid but I think you should respect your animals enough keep them safe.

 

[Acre4Me]

I'm sorry, but I am totally against electrical heating in any coop. Two years ago a turkey farmer near me lost a large barn full of turkeys due to a heater. Too risky. The birds don't need it and sorry if this sounds stupid but I think you should respect your animals enough keep them safe.

heating isn't necessarily unsafe, FWIW. There are ways to heat safely.

I'm of the opinion that I would rather not heat, but have compromised with other family members to add heat at low temps. Also, there is a whole world of poultry out there, some of which need some heat in frigid areas. Sometimes only bc a hard molt coincides with bitter, low, long term temps and I wonder exactly how you would *respect* your birds in an unexpected scenario. I am guessing you would put your logic hat on and figure out a solution, that might involve heat or not. Some people are crazy for silkies and other breeds that are not cold hardy - are they wrong for this enjoyment when they live in a frigid area? Of course not! They can safely heat the coop and or provide warmer/draft-free living quarters for the winter for the breeds that need it.

As far as the turkey farmer goes - I am guessing there was a reason for the heat. Generally a farmer is not looking to spend money without a purpose.

 

[Backyard Bruce]

actually, the first reason NOT to use that heater that came to me was the fact that their thermostats are set to come on and heat to 65F or higher. ...

.....

This is exactly the response that I needed, of course the stat isn't meant for the outdoors and thus will be calling for heat ALL THE TIME, no good.
Thank you and I am pleased to report I have won this heat battle with the wife, not the war I am sure.

 

[Acre4Me]

This is exactly the response that I needed, of course the stat isn't meant for the outdoors and thus will be calling for heat ALL THE TIME, no good.
Thank you and I am pleased to report I have won this heat battle with the wife, not the war I am sure.

So here is our electrician installed electricity in our coop. It was just added onto the rewiring of the barn - and the coop is about 2 feet behind the barn, so it was easy to tack onto the initial project. You see the black box thermostat. There are 2 outlets, one for a heating device, another for a cooling device. You see the bunched up thin cord on top of it? That is the thermometer - we now have it several feet away and slightly lower than the top roost where most of the chickens roost, it is still several feet above the floor, and inside the coop but next to the wall. In addition, we added another outlet on the opposite side so that we could install electric fence if we desired in the future, and that side of the coop is closer to the fence surrounding coop and run.

 

[Kris5902]

So here is our electrician installed electricity in our coop. It was just added onto the rewiring of the barn - and the coop is about 2 feet behind the barn, so it was easy to tack onto the initial project. You see the black box thermostat. There are 2 outlets, one for a heating device, another for a cooling device. You see the bunched up thin cord on top of it? That is the thermometer - we now have it several feet away and slightly lower than the top roost where most of the chickens roost, it is still several feet above the floor, and inside the coop but next to the wall. In addition, we added another outlet on the opposite side so that we could install electric fence if we desired in the future, and that side of the coop is closer to the fence surrounding coop and run.
View attachment 1611856

I’m not pro heat/electricity, but wow! That’s an awesome set up. So clean and chicken-proof. Very professional and well thought out installation.

 

[Backyard Bruce]

I have a similar set up except none of the heating/cooling stuff.
I did install plenty of switched and un-switched receptacles on their separate circuits along with a lighting circuit.
I wired this coop when I really didn't know what I wanted nor needed besides knowing I needed a fan and a receptacle for heated water.
I have plenty of room to expand(electrically speaking) in the future for such thing as you have there.

Very nice set up you have, crazy the amount we spend for a dozen eggs.