The Dangers of Heat Lamps in Chicken Coops

The Dangers of Heat Lamps in Chicken Coops An infographic brought to you by PoultryDVM.com Chickens, ducks, and other poultry should be protected from the cold when temperatures drop in the winter. However, heat lamps should not be used, and have no place in chicken coops or barns. Every year there are reports of fires occuring, where coops burn down, killing all the birds inside who are unable to escape. Fires can also spread to nearby structures. There are safer and more energy efficient heat source alternatives then heat lamps, as well as various methods of winterizing structures to maximize their effectiveness. What makes Heat Lamps so Danagerous? Poorly secured attachment Cheap equipment Unpredictable, flighty birds Highly flammable material Very hot surface temperature Safer Heating Alternatives Heating Pad or Mat To be effective, needs to be in direct contact with the birds' bodies. Built-in thermostat with automatic shut-off at 102 °F (38.8 °C). Should be placed on the floor or mounted to the side of the coop wall. REQUIREMENTS COST WATTAGE Requires a nearby electrical outlet to function, which should be properly grounded and rated for outdoor $25-50 25-40 W use. Flat Panel Heater One of the most cost efficient and safest heating methods. Works best when mounted against the wall in a well-insulated chicken coop or duck enclosure. Creates natural air movement---as the air heats up, it rises, causing cooler air to move in and take its place. REQUIREMENTS COST WATTAGE Requires a nearby electrical outlet to function, which should be properly grounded and rated for outdoor $50-60 200 W use. Heated Perch Built-in thermostat which doesn't turn on until temperatures drop to below freezing. Chickens must be standing on the perch to be effective. However, does not help keep comb from getting frostbite. 6-36" long REQUIREMENTS COST WATTAGE Requires a nearby electrical outlet to function, which should be properly grounded and rated for outdoor $30-80 50-60 W use. Winterizing Tips Insulate all parts of your coop--floor, interior walls, roof, and nesting box areas. Seal off any drafts. However, ensure there is still airflow. Add extra layers of bedding material to the floor. 2016 1126 21:41:11 Install a web cam in your coop Install plastic flaps over the opening of your coop pop hole, and keep a thermometer in easy and train your birds to use it. Install plastic sheeting or clear polycabonate roofing panels around the outdoor run, to help view. Periodically check the temperature. block the wind and snow. Cover windows with bubble wrap, garbage bags, dark blankets, and/or curtains. Install a temperature control Buy heated water bucket or waterers to help prevent water from freezing. switch. Electrical Fire Prevention Safety Tips A Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time. A If you must connect multiple cables, be sure to shelter or seal connections. A Never use a product with a worn or frayed cord which can send heat onto combustible surfaces, (aka shavings). A Ensure receptacles are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected. A Never remove the grounding plug from a cord so it can be used as a two-prong electrical outlet. A Closely inspect cords and plugs for any cuts, punch marks, or abrasions. If damaged, DON'T USE. A Always check the max recommended bulb wattage of any lighting fixture or lamp and never go over the recommended amount. References http://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2014/04/07/managing-risk-using-heat-lamps-on-the-farm/ https://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/fire-safety-for-children/articles/1206100-5-com mon-causes-of-electrical-fires/ http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Fire-statistics/Fire-cau ses/Electrical-and-consumer-electronics/Electrical http://www.denverpost.com/2014/01/23/urban-chickens-and-fire-heating-coops-risky-and- PoultryDVM unneeded-experts-say/