Oil radiator heater

[Acre4Me]

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?

In order for solar to be of benefit, solar panels turn that energy from the sun into electricity, which travels through connected electrical wires. So, the danger of electrical wiring will still be there, and same precautions would need to be in place. For example using metal conduit pipe or similar protection against chewing or gnawing. Our heated dog bowl cord has a spiral wire around it, the entire length for protection, plus looks to have thicker insulation, in theory to stop the dog (at least) from chewing on the wire.

 

[Kris5902]

Yes, unless you are thinking about passive solar options like are used in some “earth ship” construction. Solar electrical energy is still electrical energy, conveyed through cords and is just as much a fire risk.

I’m thinking @Wee Farmer Sarah is meaning a passive system, maybe a thick dark masonry wall on the southern side of the coop, or an attached greenhouse? Black pvc piping or a hot box that the air is then circulated into the coop from?

I’ve heard of using hay bales as an insulation for a coop or run, and an active large hot compost pile will generate heat, though I would worry about potential off gassing from that, as I’ve turned compost piles that have made me woozy and ill with their fumes.

 

[WthrLady]

It's totally not needed.

my wife dug up our old radiator heater from the basement and said she wants me to put this in the coop on nights it’s single digits and below.

I’ve been in talks with this women for months of the dangers of heating the coops with the bulbs and such but I can not come up with a legitimate reason why not to besides the fact I just isn’t necessary, she doesn’t care what I think in that regard.

Can any of you give me cause for concern with this type heater.

The picture is off the net, mine is probably 25 years older but in good functioning order.

Btw my coop is a 5X10 walk in

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

In order for solar to be of benefit, solar panels turn that energy from the sun into electricity, which travels through connected electrical wires. So, the danger of electrical wiring will still be there, and same precautions would need to be in place. For example using metal conduit pipe or similar protection against chewing or gnawing. Our heated dog bowl cord has a spiral wire around it, the entire length for protection, plus looks to have thicker insulation, in theory to stop the dog (at least) from chewing on the wire.

Two words: PASSIVE SOLAR. No sparks, no threat of fire and no worries if the electrical grid goes down.

 

[aart]

Two words: PASSIVE SOLAR. No sparks, no threat of fire and no worries if the electrical grid goes down.

.....and no warmth where the sun doesn't shine much

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Yes, unless you are thinking about passive solar options like are used in some “earth ship” construction. Solar electrical energy is still electrical energy, conveyed through cords and is just as much a fire risk.

I’m thinking @Wee Farmer Sarah is meaning a passive system, maybe a thick dark masonry wall on the southern side of the coop, or an attached greenhouse? Black pvc piping or a hot box that the air is then circulated into the coop from?

I’ve heard of using hay bales as an insulation for a coop or run, and an active large hot compost pile will generate heat, though I would worry about potential off gassing from that, as I’ve turned compost piles that have made me woozy and ill with their fumes.

Thank you, I'm glad somebody gets it. I was curious about the use of hay bales but considering the smaller size of the average chicken coop I wasn't sure.

 

[Acre4Me]

Thank you, I'm glad somebody gets it. I was curious about the use of hay bales but considering the smaller size of the average chicken coop I wasn't sure.

Lol. We get it now that you provided more complete information. But, you’re welcome. I’m glad i was able to help you clarify.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

25 years old? I had one of those start smoking once, it was old all of a sudden the wires got hot. Dust in coop will not help either it will get in the controls.

Man up and tell her no dude.

Gary

 

[aart]

25 years old? I had one of those start smoking once, it was old all of a sudden the wires got hot. Dust in coop will not help either it will get in the controls.

Man up and tell her no dude.

Gary

Read the whole thread and catch up dude

 

[Kris5902]

I saw it

Thank you, I'm glad somebody gets it. I was curious about the use of hay bales but considering the smaller size of the average chicken coop I wasn't sure.

I saw it done on a cattle panel hoop house/chicken tractor which was covered in plastic for the winter on a you tube channel called lumnah acres... they were placed on the inside perimeter to provide a kind of bedding/windbreak insulation at the bottom of the house. They seem to get quite cold and a good amount of snow there, so the hoop house wasn’t being moved at all during the winter.