- Jul 10, 2010
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Quote:Sorry I don'r remember where you are but IMHO if on the wet side Ireally wouldn't worry about heat unless it gets VERY cold. most important is to make sure she has a draft free home.Hi everyone. I am sorry but I just cannot keep up with you all. LOL Amazingly fast thread. I will try to catch up but I am already 12 pages behind and it just keeps growing. My eyes are giving me fits trying to read so much so I am afraid I will just have to pace myself. Using this bigger print does help and so I hope it doesn't bother anyone else.
Anyway, hoping someone here will have some knowledge to us out.
We are figuring a way to keep Betsy Barr Rock warm in her tractor coop as the nights are getting colder. As some of you know she is flying solo now since her coop mate, Gemini, was killed by a raccoon a few weeks back.
I know it isn't the best situation to only have one chicken but she seems to be coping better now. So having said that I am hopeful I can get her through the winter. I will be getting BA chicks this spring.
My DH found a unique (to us anyway) light bulb for reptiles that we think may be just the ticket. When DH made the chicken tractor he wired in a light socket that we can run a heavy outdoor extension cord from the garage to energize it. Also has a dimmer switch so we can regulate it. Wondering if a lightbulb like used for reptiles would work for a chicken???
Here is the info: Is there any reason this would not be good for a chicken too? Thanks so much for your input. ~Dee~
75 WATT A19 BLACKLIGHT PET LAMP OPERATES IN STANDARD HOUSEHOLD FIXTURES AND PET HABITATS - Bulborama pet light bulbs keep pets feeling healthy in their natural cozy habitat. Supra Life Blacklight Pet Lamps provide a mild source of heat for reptiles and last up to 4 times longer than standard lamps. With high UVB output, Blacklight pet light bulbs improve color and health of reptiles, last up to 10,000 hours, and simulate a nighttime moonlight environment.
http://www.bulborama.com/75-WATT-A1...EPTILE-LIGHT-BULB-p841.html?AdID=1396--P80903
No problem. Yes, you are right about West coast. We are concerned without a buddy on the roost with her she might not stay as toasty as she is normally use to. Not sure about drafts? The coop has a vent on top and a bit of air can probably come from very small crack around the door & nest lid? Here is a pic so you know what I mean. The window in the door is plexi-glass. It looks like a hole in it but that is just the reflection from the gray/green side of the garage with the garage window corner showing ( white trim). The coop is insulated with styro-foam & covered with paneling. I thought a good rule of thumb would be to keep Betsy's coop above 32 degrees. I don't want her comb getting frost bit. Nights have gotten to be 40 degrees at times so we are preparing for colder nights. We want to keep her healthy and happy. Thought this black reptile light would be more natural so she could sleep well. But want to make sure there are no reasons it would not be good for hens. Thanks so much for your help. ~Dee~
I've read in other forums that people use reptile bulbs and heaters with chickens. I cannot see anything about that bulb that would be a problem for chickens. 75 watts won't give off lots of heat, but your coop/tractor looks small enough that it shouldn't be a problem.
Russ- btw it is a beautiful tractor.
Excellent! DH was re-thinking to purchase a 100 watt black reptile bulb to make sure it produced enough heat. Since he has a dimmer switch he can use it to regulate according to the thermostat reading. Yes, it is small. Holds 3-4 hens around 6-7 lbs. each. Had a 8.5 lb. rooster in it once and we thought he was cramped on the roost due to head room. Thanks so much. ~Dee~