Oil radiator heater

[Backyard Bruce]

True and also those high power consumption devices should NOT be plugged into an extension cord PERIOD.

 

[Kris5902]

Well, considering the lack of heat and that we live in Canada, and that my mother is in her late 60’s and arthritic, I’m not going to refuse her heat this winter. I did buy an 8 gauge 20’ cord to run my table saw and other very heavy drawing tools from my 8,000 watt generator for our house build, so I replaced the heater and set it up on that cord. So far no issues, but we haven’t had any power surges like the one that fried the previous heater and cord. The power surge also knocked out the islands internet service for two days, destroyed several other main systems and basically all electronics on the grid not protected by a surge protector.

We all do what we have to to survive, and I didn’t know she had it plugged into the cord until I noticed the hot plastic smell, I honestly thought something had fallen against it and was melting. We also bought a smoke detector for her, upon realizing the building doesn’t have one.

Please don’t judge us to harshly, as I’ve been living without water, power, or heat for myself for a year and three months. Not too bad during summer, but this second winter is sucking. My chickens actually have a warmer home than I do right now as they get to live in a garage!

 

[Acre4Me]

Well, considering the lack of heat and that we live in Canada, and that my mother is in her late 60’s and arthritic, I’m not going to refuse her heat this winter. I did buy an 8 gauge 20’ cord to run my table saw and other very heavy drawing tools from my 8,000 watt generator for our house build, so I replaced the heater and set it up on that cord. So far no issues, but we haven’t had any power surges like the one that fried the previous heater and cord. The power surge also knocked out the islands internet service for two days, destroyed several other main systems and basically all electronics on the grid not protected by a surge protector.

We all do what we have to to survive, and I didn’t know she had it plugged into the cord until I noticed the hot plastic smell, I honestly thought something had fallen against it and was melting. We also bought a smoke detector for her, upon realizing the building doesn’t have one.

Please don’t judge us to harshly, as I’ve been living without water, power, or heat for myself for a year and three months. Not too bad during summer, but this second winter is sucking. My chickens actually have a warmer home than I do right now as they get to live in a garage!

Stay safe and here’s to hoping your permanent home will be completed before a third winter rolls around!

 

[New2Chicks97]

In our smaller prefab non insulated coop we have a radiant wall panel heater because it isn’t a great coop. My husband wants to install some in our bigger coop too though it is nicely insulated and has good ventilation. So far both sets of chickens are fine and have had no ill effects from the winter weather.

I would just be worried they would try to sit on one of those heaters and get burned or knock it over and cause a potential fire.

 

[Twoleggedmotherhen]

Have to admit, I have a radiant coop heater in our coop. It is installed not turned on and won't be. I got it for just in case. Will most likely be used when we get replacement chicks.
I thought about it and said, heck chickens survived before there was electricity in places like Minnesota. We get no where near those cold temps, might get a cold spell for a couple of weeks.

 

[Kris5902]

Stay safe and here’s to hoping your permanent home will be completed before a third winter rolls around!

Thanks for your thoughts! I am concerned for the safety of others who may be thinking of heating their coops, I’m sure many who are thinking of using a heater like this probably don’t have a good electrical set up in their coop.

LOTS of people don’t think about plugging these into extension cords, as they don’t draw as much as your average space heater, they are marketed as a safer and more economical heater. Most people don’t have heavy gauge cords hanging around their house. I am aware of the risks involved in our current situation and am monitoring it closely now. Scared MY pants off, that’s for sure, (I didn’t think to look at how the heater was set up, and this is my mom and cats that were living there!)

It’s an easy and potentially tragic mistake which can be made with the best of intentions. We just want to do what’s best and keep our little feathered babies comfy. I am using my own experience to help illustrate some of the dangers. If you must heat, research it and invest in it... do it right and safely, jury rigged heating solutions are dangerous and a coop fire could also spread to your home all too easily! Be safe!

 

[Backyard Bruce]

Not judging just giving information that some may or may not use, entirely up to the individual.

 

[Kris5902]

Not judging just giving information that some may or may not use, entirely up to the individual.

I agree with you 100%, heaters and extension cords are VERY bad. Wiring and electrical should be done by a professional or at the least inspected by one to insure it is safe and meets code.

Looking at putting a rated for use indoors heater in an unheated/insulated coop full of dry material and animals? That’s an even worse idea. If you’re looking at using a supplemental heat source as a primary heating solution, chances are you’re thinking of hooking it up via an extension cord. And potentially using it in a way that will be prone to overloading the wiring.

I understand it’s not a personal attack, I’m not offended, I just want to be clear about my situation, and warn people that even seemingly “safe” heaters can pose a huge danger.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Just another note on electrical wiring/ extension cords in or close to the coop: Mice and even squirrels have been known to nibble at electrical wiring. Possibly because they can be a little warm. They don't usually survive the first good bite but fires have started this way. I know I have way too much time to over think this, but my life seems to be ruled by "Murphy's Law." I will be looking into more solar options that don't involve electrical current or flames. Has anyone used hay bales in their larger coops for added warmth?

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

P.S. The weather is still unseasonably cold here. It was 13 degrees at 5:30 this morning and it's supposed to be 10 degrees tomorrow am. Brrr!