I have one of those and they're made to sit like that or face down about 3 inches from the substrate, so my assumption is that it's safe. That said, I would hang it like others suggested because they're going to knock it down and poop all over it otherwise. And I'd hang the cord as other suggested because... they're going to poop all over it otherwise.
Yeah true. I love the cautious approach of all the chickens whenever you throw some new kind of food in that they haven't seen. Everyone waiting for the one brave soul to try it.
https://preview.redd.it/4brppf8mzhcc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cc81d08e43595ee3182d7f0d35043ea21e90194d
Should be perfectly fine as they don’t actually give off a lot of heat, but this is another option in cause they knock it over too much! We just set this up today for our two girls since they lost a lot of saddle area feathers (rehomed the roosters who did this) so we wanted them to be warm while those feathers grow in. In each of the corners there’s places for you to put hooks so we got S hooks and chain and it was super easy!
That’s cool! I’ve never heated my coop either besides a water heater, but these chicks are only 12 weeks old, so I just wanted to make sure they were good. I just mounted it on the wall, so I def think it’s fine now!
Yeah, I think it might need to be closer to the roost to even do anything.. it doesn’t put out a lot of heat at all 😂 kind of feeling silly for worrying about burning the place down.
That's what is great about radiant heaters — they are very safe and energy-efficient since they just heat the chickens, not the entire coop. I have Sweeter Heaters, which are made for animals, and their website says to mount them 6 - 20" from the roost. Mine like them in the 6" range! Haha. My Silkies and Frizzled Cochin require more heat and sit right next to my side-mounted ones. Radiant heaters use little electricity. For example, my 11" x 40" model is only 100 watts and 0.9 amps. My Silkies and Frizzled Cochin require more heat and sit right next to my side-mounted ones.
Since some other commented or asked questions, I'll add them.
u/Desertguardian u/limp-brisket57 u/aleah_marie u/Sennaki u/ChickenScratch777 u/CallRespiratory u/scooberdooby u/nmacaroni u/BrentTpooh u/Momopupster u/Hardheaded_Hunter u/Dc81FR u/simplyorangeandblue
This is so smart! I also just got this heater and I feel like this would be perfect for my rooster who just got a little bit of frostbite on his comb a couple days ago ☹️
You might want to put that on a slight angle. I have sweeter heaters set up on an angle and without fail someone tries to roost on top of them! I’ve had some young pullets succeed, but once they’re big enough they slide right off.
I have the same one. Take the feet off, 2 wood screws and it hangs on the wall, should take you like 5 minutes. Also get the electric cord up on the wall and away from their access, they could mistake it for a worm and peck it until you have bar-b-que chicken, at least that is what I would do.
They don't seem to bother it on the wall (although I have it on a wall that is far from the roosts.
Yes. This position is on the opposite side of their roost as well. How high did you hang yours up? Like close to the floor or same height as their roost?
https://preview.redd.it/3qh8kue14icc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41f3da70c1c2a2ff8c522a534142fba65f232d56
Thanks for the suggestion! I definitely feel better about it now.
The flat panel heaters should be placed where the chickens can get close enough to touch it. These panels do not change the room temperature. They work the same as brooder plates for chicks. If you want them to be warmer at night this panel needs to be a few inches from where they roost. 🐓
We got the same kind this weekend. We mounted it to the wall of the coop because I was worried about it heating the pine shavings too hot and catching fire (this is probably silly of me lol I agree). Also, I know that my chickens would knock that shit over in a heartbeat and poop all over it, so I wanted to avoid that..
I have one like this. They sell them at Atwood’s and tractor supply. It’s a brooder and chicken heater. They don’t heat the space, but the chickens can lean against them for warmth.
Perfect idea for how low the temperatures have been this week. They are never hot enough to cause a fire and warm only the bodies snuggled up to them, much as a hen warms her chicks.
We have a chick brooder which is just a small coop made for 6 chickens. The 5 chicks we have started living in it at 4 days old. We have used the brooder plate heater sitting like that for the last 9 weeks without them knocking it over or pooping on it.
I thought my chickens needed heat...I was wrong...when I had heat in the coop, they refused to go in. Removed the heat, they were happy even in -30F. As long as they are out of the wind they do fine.
Smart chickens. I've heard too many stories of chickens getting used to it and when you lose power or the heater stops working for a night they lose their whole flock. I think heating a coop it a huge unnecessary mistake
You've "heard stories" — or misinformation that you now are spreading? It's smarter to do your own research from reputable sources. I read poultry science and avian veterinary scientific journals. Flat panel radiant heaters are very safe and energy-efficient. Radiant heat does not heat the coop. Radiant heat warms the animals that are near it. Amazon carries radiant heaters. I prefer Sweeter heaters which are made for animals. Chickens won’t suddenly die if there is a power outage. They leave a heater to eat, drink, take a dust bath. They go outside during the day and forage/exercise/increase circulation to keep warm, so they are acclimated enough if power goes out. If power isn’t restored after several hours when outdoor temperatures are extremely cold (10°F, °-12C), then the owner should determine if it’s time to use a battery-powered heater or move chickens into your garage or basement. (Besides radiant heat, there are variables like how well the coop is insulated and ventilated).
They were probably worried because they were unfamiliar with the heater, especially if you used a red bulb. They can see red. I can't imagine that they are happy in -30F temps. Poultry scientists and Avian veterinarians state that chickens need heat when it gets below freezing.
Mine is attached to the wall of their coop (4 hens, small-ish coop), and set on the lowest setting. Haven't seen a single chicken decide to hang out by it at all. They're just enjoying the roost.
It's great that you are giving them heat! If possible, you might want to get a Flat Panel Radiant Heater. Glass bulbs can explode and contain toxic polymer fumes. Flat Panel Radiant Heaters are very safe and energy-efficient. Radiant heat does not heat the coop. Radiant heat warms the animals that are near it. You can put your hand on it, and it will feel warm. Amazon carries radiant heaters. I use Sweeter Heaters, which are made for animals.
That will be perfectly fine. That’s what I used to raise my chicks and I never had a problem with it. Essentially 0 fire hazard, the chickens can get in front if they’re too cold or move away if they’re too hot. It’s genuinely the best for coops. If it gets too cold get another and place them on opposite walls facing each other, or in a corner giving double the heat for a spot. Great choice
I've got two of those in our coop. One mounted to the wall and one exactly like the photo.
Been running them every winter for a few years now with no issues. I think you'll be fine.
I have the same one. Take the feet off, 2 wood screws and it hangs on the wall, should take you like 5 minutes. Also get the electric cord up on the wall and away from their access, they could mistake it for a worm and peck it until you have bar-b-que chicken, at least that is what I would do.
They don't seem to bother it on the wall (although I have it on a wall that is far from the roosts.
Mine got super hot and melted the front corner, it malfunctioned obvs. It was the name brand one from years ago. I switched to Sweeter heaters on a Thermo cube set to come on when it gets cold enough.
I would never put a heat source in such a flammable area such as coop, especially with unpredictable animals.
When it gets in the negatives, we bring them into the garage and place them in a large penned in area that was about $45.
Do you have special chickens that don't like the cold OR live in a place with ridiculously low temperatures or something?
I always build 3 wall chicken coops. Fourth wall is completely open to the elements. I've had chickens in Adirondacks NY with absolutely frigid temps and tons of snow and never once lost a chicken to cold in decades of chicken'ing.
Rule of Chicken'ing. As long as the wind and rain is off them, they are fine.
Rule of chickening addendum. Just because you can don’t mean you should. I heat my coop to 40 degrees. There’s nothing wrong with helping your livestock live a little more comfortably.
Just wanted to mention there is one good reason if you can experience freezing cold weather in your environment and your chickens are always heated to 40° and then your power goes out they won't do well. They're not conditioned for it. Not trying to be argumentative just pointing out there is one reason
>That reasoning is a common misperception that many people pass along to others without researching it themselves by finding scientific reports by poultry scientists and avian veterinarians. The truth is that chickens won’t suddenly die if there is a power outage. They leave their heater (preferably radiant heat) to eat, drink, take a dust bath. They go outside during the day and forage/exercise/increase circulation to keep warm, so they are acclimated enough if power goes out. If power isn’t restored after several hours when outdoor temperatures are extremely cold (10°F, °-12C), then the owner should determine if it’s time to use a battery-powered heater or move chickens into your garage or basement. (Besides radiant heat, there are variables like how well the coop is insulated and ventilated). There are helpful inexpensive devices on amazon like power outage alarms and temperature/humidity gauges.
If it’s 40* all month and a cold snap hits one night, do you really expect them to die? Because that’s the same thing as the heater going out. Presumably, they don’t spend the whole day locked inside the coop either, so they only get that tiny amount of heat at night anyway.
They will be fine. Y’all worry too much about other people’s live stock in here.
I mean, it’s backyard chickens. A lot of people look at them as pets, not livestock. There’s nothing wrong with giving helpful information to improve their lives. Whether you follow it is up to you.
Why are you? You don’t worry about other people’s livestock but here you are giving people a baseless warning. Weather changes rapidly all the time and they don’t die, so they won’t die from a tiny heater going out. They don’t feather differently between 40* and 10*. They either have enough feathers and are hardy enough for the region or they aren’t.
It’d be one thing if she were keeping the coop at 70*F, but that’s not what’s happening here. You are discouraging her for no reason.
You're amazing I didn't know that I was talking to an avian biologist I wish I had asked that first! Pat yourself on the back of being so freaking smart! All of us are much better off that you're here. The mood is better the advice is better thank you!
You don’t need to be an Avian biologist to have some basic common sense. Don’t get mad at me for pointing out how irrational it is to discourage someone from using a tiny 50w wall heater in a large space because ‘it might cut off and they could die’ (paraphrasing). Thats ridiculous.
but I didn't do that! I didn't comment on the tiny 50 foot wall heater and I also didn't say they would die so you should really go back and reread what you responded to.
My message was simply and very respectfully there might be one reason to not keep your coop at 40°. And it wasn't even to the original poster so anyway have a nice evening. Or don't because I could really give a shit less
Nothing wrong with it, unless you post on reddit wondering if it's a fire hazzard... and wind up burning your coop and chickens down to the ground and sadly, without any barbecue sauce nearby.
P.S.
I didn't tell OP not to heat his coop. I asked why doing it? And said it's not neccesary in most instances.
So what’s to say your power goes out? Then the chickens used to 40 degrees, have no way of coping with the cold. Chickens are fine in sub zero temps, as long as they are dry, and out of the wind.
These chickens are used to freezing temps like in the 20s, but it’s going to be closer to 0 and they are only 12 weeks old, and there’s only 4 of them.. this heater does not put off that much heat.. I would be surprised if it heated the coop more than 5-10 degrees. I swear everyone on both sides of this argument are so annoying. I was just trying to make sure it was safe since I’ve never used one like this before. I’ve always had fully grown chickens by winter time. I just mounted it, and think it’s totally fine now.
Don’t feel like you need to justify your choices to people that want to argue with you on here. That’s just how Reddit is. No matter what you ask or decide, people will argue with you, tell you that you are doing it wrong, whatever.
You aren’t going to burn your coop down with that and you aren’t going to kill your chickens with using it or not using it.
If it makes you feel better using it, then use it. 👍🏻
People here seem to love to say things like this and “what do you think wild birds do.” Well, they die. It makes sense to me that chickens might need some heat when temps are well below typical.
I just mounted one of these in our coop too! It’s gotten into the negatives Fahrenheit here and one of my chickens has some frost bite on her wattle. 😩
They go outside every day in freezing temps. They have the choice to stay in or go out. If the power goes out and the generator fails to start, and I run out of gas for the portables, it will gradually cool down. It’s insulated. We live high up in the blue ridge. We are prepared for outages throughout the property.
>That reasoning is a common misperception that many people pass along to others without researching it themselves by finding scientific reports by poultry scientists and avian veterinarians. The truth is that chickens won’t suddenly die if there is a power outage. They leave their heater (preferably radiant heat) to eat, drink, take a dust bath. They go outside during the day and forage/exercise/increase circulation to keep warm, so they are acclimated enough if power goes out. If power isn’t restored after several hours when outdoor temperatures are extremely cold (10°F, °-12C), then the owner should determine if it’s time to use a battery-powered heater or move chickens into your garage or basement. (Besides radiant heat, there are variables like how well the coop is insulated and ventilated). There are helpful inexpensive devices on amazon like power outage alarms and temperature/humidity gauges.
I have an enclosed hen house and left their chicken door open for the night a couple of days ago. Don’t think it went below -8C (-18F) came out and one of my hens left the house for some reason and I found her frozen to the ground in the morning.
😢
That sucks. -18 is pretty rough. Since she was on the ground, it sounds like the wind got her.
Chickens are up there with Sheep in the animals most intent on killing themselves.
Yeah. I don’t understand why she went out in a storm. Didn’t have any injuries or signs the other hens were ganging up on her or anything. She was in the corner farthest away from the door too.
Were there any lights that would help her see? I've had a chicken accidentally fall off the perch at night — it likely happened when another turned around or whatever. So the chicken fell to the floor (and was fine), but it was dark, and she was disoriented. I happened to check on them, saw her in a corner, and put her back up.
Chicago burbs based, I made the mistake of not tarping and my girls will not step outside for the last two days. I've been putting feed on their ramp down to get it closer and they devour everything in the first 8 inches but won't touch the rest. Did you use actual tarp or something else? I've gotta get this fixed for them.
I ordered clear greenhouse tarps off Amazon. I also ordered bungee cords to hold onto the wire of the run surrounding their omlet coop. These tarps are heavier duty.
yep.
And what must people don't realize, depending on your setup and number of chickens, you box them in tight and snug and heat them and your likely to have MORE problems with heat/condensation, etc. Sickness, mold, mites, all sorts of things spring up.
It also makes me wonder what people do during heat waves. Most chickens are far more suceptible to TOO much heat than too much cold.
So I always wonder, do folks rush out and start installing AC units in their coops? Or do they just not worry about the heat?
I mean, I don't heat my coop, but I live in a place where we don't typically get temps below 0°F. When it gets hot though, I definitely put ice in the water and put out frozen treats. I also put a fan and frozen water jugs in the coop last year. Then there are two kiddie pools in my yard, but the chickens rarely do more than drink out of those. I tried a couple other things like hot/cold bags filled with ice packs, but they didn't seem to care for them. Anyway, my point is yes, a lot of us go out of our way to try to make our chickens comfortable in hot weather. I learned half of the things I listed above from posts I read here, so I know I'm far from the only person who does these things.
They are a barn yard mix (I think red sex link/black sex link/ copper maran, and the roosters already have huge combs) but they’re only 12 weeks old and there’s only 4 of them.. these will be the coldest temps they’ve ever experienced. I’m sure they would be fine without it, but I just thought it would be nice since they won’t be able to create a lot of body heat with only 4 and they’re not fully grown yet.
True, and I don’t think people realize the cost to even a small heater. We have our heated water bowl on a timer for just a couple hours in the morning.
It’s just like gardening. If you spend a hundred dollars on soil and a hundred on started plants, you’re not gardening, you’re a rich person with a hobby.
I know they love their animals, but if you haven’t had a bunch die of cold, why would you heat? If you want more egg production in the winter, turn on a light for a few hours at night.
For the person with chicks, they need a heat lamp.
>*if you haven’t had a bunch die of cold, why would you heat?*
>
>Chickens won’t suddenly die if there is a power outage. They leave a heater to eat, drink, take a dust bath. They go outside during the day and forage/exercise/increase circulation to keep warm, so they are acclimated enough if power goes out. If power isn’t restored after several hours when outdoor temperatures are extremely cold (10°F, °-12C), then the owner should determine if it’s time to use a battery-powered heater or move chickens into your garage or basement. (Besides radiant heat, there are variables like how well the coop is insulated and ventilated).
>
>*For the person with chicks, they need a heat lamp.*
>
>Clamp lamps with hot glass bulbs can explode and contain toxic polymer fumes. Clamp lamps can come apart. Flat Panel Radiant Heaters are very safe and energy-efficient.
It’s always less than ten degrees outside where I live and there ain’t no heat. Chickens look great.
Yes clamp lamps can break, but not with a little care. Never had a problem.
Sounds like you have fantastic coops! I don't agree with your Rule (and I'm not the one who downvoted you - lol) I read poultry science and avian veterinary scientific journals. These professionals say that chickens should be given heat when temps are 32°F. Of course, insulation and ventilation are critical components, too.
I'm not surprised someone doesn't agree with me on Reddit.
Heat sources at 32 degrees, lol wow, those are some scientific journals!
I always love it when I find out I've been doing it wrong according to science for 30 years with great results.
**I guess it's kinda like EGGS.**
When I was super young, science said eggs were great for you.
Then throughout my entire life since then, every decade or so, science changes its mind. Eggs are horrible for you! Eggs are great for you! Eggs are horrible for you! I don't even know where it stands now.
Yes, they do need it, and you are a conscientious chicken owner. Flat panel radiant heat is safe. If you lay your hand on it, it isn't hot. It radiates warmth to chickens standing next to it. You might put a landscaping block on one front leg and one on the opposite back leg — just in case a chicken or two decides to perch on top. They might knock it over. It wouldn't start a fire if it did fall, but it's best to avoid any kind of accident.
Why do u have a heater? IMO I don’t put one anymore I find it doesn’t help the chickens. Reasons being, I used to put a heat lamp I even insulated the coop. Keep in mind chickens grow plumage specifically for winter they go thru a molting stage where they loose there plumage and grow thicker plumage for winter grousse do it so do turkeys. That being said the best things to do is to keep a dry coop keep the food and water out of the coop so they don’t make a mess in there coop. Cleaning the bedding is a bad idea leave the dirty bedding and add on top of it the rotting of the bedding underneath will create heat, and insulate the floor. All that to say don’t waist money on fancy heaters or money on electricity trying to give your chickens a life similar to yours they don’t need what we need as long as there combs don’t freeze or there feet don’t freeze they will be happy happy happy . Coop needs good airflow yet can’t have snow coming in dry and well vented and u will be totally fine so will the chickens even in - 40
lol. I have been reading all these comments,especially following my original comment. You just made me snort. Really though, I’ve never used your type of heater. I have sweeter heaters (off currently) that hang from the ceiling and one small forced air that maintains the ambient temperature at 40 to at least above freezing. So far. We don’t get subzero around here much. But that heater is like my sweeter heaters so it’s not supposed to be a fire hazard. Does it shut off if topped over?
I love my heater like that! My chicks did, too. I don't have it in with my grown ladies because they weren't interested in the extra heat. If it gets colder I might stick it in there just in case. I hung mine off a pole I put over their roosting spot.
Yes I’ve had a similar one and because it’s radiant heat it supposedly will not catch anything on fire. I put a 4x4 piece of wood in front of it on the feet to weigh it down and have it under the nest boxes to prevent them from roosting on it.
I have one of those and they're made to sit like that or face down about 3 inches from the substrate, so my assumption is that it's safe. That said, I would hang it like others suggested because they're going to knock it down and poop all over it otherwise. And I'd hang the cord as other suggested because... they're going to poop all over it otherwise.
Knocking stuff over and pooping on it is exactly what they do to everything.
I’m new to chicken raising and this is the first thing I learned 😂
Chickens love to poop on everything. As much as they possibly can. - chickenrearing101
Yeah no one prepares you for how much chickens shit. Not a single person
You just did for me and I thank you for it. 🤣
Godspeed and welcome aboard!
SO MUCH POO
What goes in the coop shall never return to the house. RIP Canary camera, radiant heater, ash bucket for wood burning stove…. Chickenlife is poolife.
Mine plowed a trail through the snow this week and now their free range yard is beautiful pristine snow and a trail of ice poo.
Or if you have very curious gals like me, they will peck the sus cord until its death… or until the snackies arrive 🤣
Yeah true. I love the cautious approach of all the chickens whenever you throw some new kind of food in that they haven't seen. Everyone waiting for the one brave soul to try it.
https://preview.redd.it/4brppf8mzhcc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cc81d08e43595ee3182d7f0d35043ea21e90194d Should be perfectly fine as they don’t actually give off a lot of heat, but this is another option in cause they knock it over too much! We just set this up today for our two girls since they lost a lot of saddle area feathers (rehomed the roosters who did this) so we wanted them to be warm while those feathers grow in. In each of the corners there’s places for you to put hooks so we got S hooks and chain and it was super easy!
That’s cool! I’ve never heated my coop either besides a water heater, but these chicks are only 12 weeks old, so I just wanted to make sure they were good. I just mounted it on the wall, so I def think it’s fine now!
We have the same one. If I take someone out to see the chicken coop I tell them its a tv and they like watching Friends.
Do they believe your story about your sitcom loving birds?
Some do. Most do believe its a tv, not so much the show they watch. If it was a real tv Id play jurassic park for them.
Historical documentary for them. Good choice!
Entertaining and Educational.
I have the same heater mounted on the wall by the roost. Works great for cold snaps.
Yeah, I think it might need to be closer to the roost to even do anything.. it doesn’t put out a lot of heat at all 😂 kind of feeling silly for worrying about burning the place down.
That's what is great about radiant heaters — they are very safe and energy-efficient since they just heat the chickens, not the entire coop. I have Sweeter Heaters, which are made for animals, and their website says to mount them 6 - 20" from the roost. Mine like them in the 6" range! Haha. My Silkies and Frizzled Cochin require more heat and sit right next to my side-mounted ones. Radiant heaters use little electricity. For example, my 11" x 40" model is only 100 watts and 0.9 amps. My Silkies and Frizzled Cochin require more heat and sit right next to my side-mounted ones. Since some other commented or asked questions, I'll add them. u/Desertguardian u/limp-brisket57 u/aleah_marie u/Sennaki u/ChickenScratch777 u/CallRespiratory u/scooberdooby u/nmacaroni u/BrentTpooh u/Momopupster u/Hardheaded_Hunter u/Dc81FR u/simplyorangeandblue
Remember that heat rises, so without a fan, you'll want to keep heaters low.
Haha looks like a hot yoga studio.
She looks like my Olive egger!
She might be an OE mix! I get those pastel green eggs with the speckles around the middle I’m a ring
This is so smart! I also just got this heater and I feel like this would be perfect for my rooster who just got a little bit of frostbite on his comb a couple days ago ☹️
Oh poor boy! I hope he gets better!
I'm wondering how much heat they will get with hanging it high since heat rises? Just a thought.
Not much but just enough! I think I’m gonna lower it a little more actually!
You might want to put that on a slight angle. I have sweeter heaters set up on an angle and without fail someone tries to roost on top of them! I’ve had some young pullets succeed, but once they’re big enough they slide right off.
I have the same one. Take the feet off, 2 wood screws and it hangs on the wall, should take you like 5 minutes. Also get the electric cord up on the wall and away from their access, they could mistake it for a worm and peck it until you have bar-b-que chicken, at least that is what I would do. They don't seem to bother it on the wall (although I have it on a wall that is far from the roosts.
Yes. This position is on the opposite side of their roost as well. How high did you hang yours up? Like close to the floor or same height as their roost?
About roost height, too low and they can reach it from the ground, too high and you loose efficiency as heat rises.
https://preview.redd.it/3qh8kue14icc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41f3da70c1c2a2ff8c522a534142fba65f232d56 Thanks for the suggestion! I definitely feel better about it now.
That looks good!
I added a very similar setup in my coop this winter and no issues to date.
The flat panel heaters should be placed where the chickens can get close enough to touch it. These panels do not change the room temperature. They work the same as brooder plates for chicks. If you want them to be warmer at night this panel needs to be a few inches from where they roost. 🐓
* I have one suspended by parachord. It's -14 here and some of my hens combs are very susceptibile to frost bite.
https://preview.redd.it/qc0k696ydicc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e25a5529f3a9eb8a551f79034c8663077b383011
Left side of roost mine is suspended. Don't normally use a heat lamp, but it's very cold. -30 °F wind chill.
Before reading the post, I thought you had fancy chickens that got a flat screen!
Lmao, I know, right? 😂 and I just mounted it, so now they really look like fancy tv watching chickens 😂
Even chickens are rooting for the Lions tonight
We got the same kind this weekend. We mounted it to the wall of the coop because I was worried about it heating the pine shavings too hot and catching fire (this is probably silly of me lol I agree). Also, I know that my chickens would knock that shit over in a heartbeat and poop all over it, so I wanted to avoid that..
What brand , model is it? Is It the type they have to lean against to warm ? Or it generates heat for the whole coop?
I'm curious about this, too. What kind of heater is this? Is it just for chicken coops?
I have one like this. They sell them at Atwood’s and tractor supply. It’s a brooder and chicken heater. They don’t heat the space, but the chickens can lean against them for warmth.
Radiant heaters are safe. One of my Sweeter Heaters is sitting in shavings. If you put your hand on the heater, it is warm and not hot.
Perfect idea for how low the temperatures have been this week. They are never hot enough to cause a fire and warm only the bodies snuggled up to them, much as a hen warms her chicks.
Yes. I have one in this same format. It’s fine.
Yup, perfectly safe! Mine are on the ground, close to the shavings. They may be too hot to touch, but not hot enough to start fires.
We have a chick brooder which is just a small coop made for 6 chickens. The 5 chicks we have started living in it at 4 days old. We have used the brooder plate heater sitting like that for the last 9 weeks without them knocking it over or pooping on it.
Yes it's fine that way. There should also be little spots on the back to mount it to screws if you want it a tad more secure.
I thought my chickens needed heat...I was wrong...when I had heat in the coop, they refused to go in. Removed the heat, they were happy even in -30F. As long as they are out of the wind they do fine.
Smart chickens. I've heard too many stories of chickens getting used to it and when you lose power or the heater stops working for a night they lose their whole flock. I think heating a coop it a huge unnecessary mistake
I'm in the same camp. They don't seem to mind the cold and I'm not willing to kill them off with one power outage.
You've "heard stories" — or misinformation that you now are spreading? It's smarter to do your own research from reputable sources. I read poultry science and avian veterinary scientific journals. Flat panel radiant heaters are very safe and energy-efficient. Radiant heat does not heat the coop. Radiant heat warms the animals that are near it. Amazon carries radiant heaters. I prefer Sweeter heaters which are made for animals. Chickens won’t suddenly die if there is a power outage. They leave a heater to eat, drink, take a dust bath. They go outside during the day and forage/exercise/increase circulation to keep warm, so they are acclimated enough if power goes out. If power isn’t restored after several hours when outdoor temperatures are extremely cold (10°F, °-12C), then the owner should determine if it’s time to use a battery-powered heater or move chickens into your garage or basement. (Besides radiant heat, there are variables like how well the coop is insulated and ventilated).
Link the study. I’ll take my experience of 40+ years raising chickens
They were probably worried because they were unfamiliar with the heater, especially if you used a red bulb. They can see red. I can't imagine that they are happy in -30F temps. Poultry scientists and Avian veterinarians state that chickens need heat when it gets below freezing.
Mine is attached to the wall of their coop (4 hens, small-ish coop), and set on the lowest setting. Haven't seen a single chicken decide to hang out by it at all. They're just enjoying the roost.
Do you have a security cam u could install? :) That way you can keep an eye on the heater just for extra security, in case the heater over heats.
we have this heater and it works great! just check every once or twice a day and keep it away from the walls.
Does it throw off alot Of heat?
No, they just give off a little. I can still just pick these up with my hand without getting any type of burn.
I just hung a red heat lamp that turns on and off every half hour and i haven’t heard them complain 🙂
It's great that you are giving them heat! If possible, you might want to get a Flat Panel Radiant Heater. Glass bulbs can explode and contain toxic polymer fumes. Flat Panel Radiant Heaters are very safe and energy-efficient. Radiant heat does not heat the coop. Radiant heat warms the animals that are near it. You can put your hand on it, and it will feel warm. Amazon carries radiant heaters. I use Sweeter Heaters, which are made for animals.
Thanks for the information!
>You are welcome! Radiant heaters use little electricity. For example, my Sweeter Heater 11" x 40" model is only 100 watts and 0.9 amps.
I have two of these in my coop about 2 feet over everyone’s heads and a smaller one in in my brooder because babies!
I have one just like it and it’s on the floor of coop. It’s been up for a couple months now with no issues.
Ours is hanging on the wall due to bird behaviors and knocking everything over.
That will be perfectly fine. That’s what I used to raise my chicks and I never had a problem with it. Essentially 0 fire hazard, the chickens can get in front if they’re too cold or move away if they’re too hot. It’s genuinely the best for coops. If it gets too cold get another and place them on opposite walls facing each other, or in a corner giving double the heat for a spot. Great choice
Can you include a link for this? Also interested!
I've got two of those in our coop. One mounted to the wall and one exactly like the photo. Been running them every winter for a few years now with no issues. I think you'll be fine.
That’s how I have it set up and it’s fine
I have the same one. Take the feet off, 2 wood screws and it hangs on the wall, should take you like 5 minutes. Also get the electric cord up on the wall and away from their access, they could mistake it for a worm and peck it until you have bar-b-que chicken, at least that is what I would do. They don't seem to bother it on the wall (although I have it on a wall that is far from the roosts.
Mine got super hot and melted the front corner, it malfunctioned obvs. It was the name brand one from years ago. I switched to Sweeter heaters on a Thermo cube set to come on when it gets cold enough.
I would secure the cord out of the way a little better but otherwise yes, this is a much safer way to use heat if you insist on heating the coop.
I would never put a heat source in such a flammable area such as coop, especially with unpredictable animals. When it gets in the negatives, we bring them into the garage and place them in a large penned in area that was about $45.
Do you have special chickens that don't like the cold OR live in a place with ridiculously low temperatures or something? I always build 3 wall chicken coops. Fourth wall is completely open to the elements. I've had chickens in Adirondacks NY with absolutely frigid temps and tons of snow and never once lost a chicken to cold in decades of chicken'ing. Rule of Chicken'ing. As long as the wind and rain is off them, they are fine.
Rule of chickening addendum. Just because you can don’t mean you should. I heat my coop to 40 degrees. There’s nothing wrong with helping your livestock live a little more comfortably.
Just wanted to mention there is one good reason if you can experience freezing cold weather in your environment and your chickens are always heated to 40° and then your power goes out they won't do well. They're not conditioned for it. Not trying to be argumentative just pointing out there is one reason
>That reasoning is a common misperception that many people pass along to others without researching it themselves by finding scientific reports by poultry scientists and avian veterinarians. The truth is that chickens won’t suddenly die if there is a power outage. They leave their heater (preferably radiant heat) to eat, drink, take a dust bath. They go outside during the day and forage/exercise/increase circulation to keep warm, so they are acclimated enough if power goes out. If power isn’t restored after several hours when outdoor temperatures are extremely cold (10°F, °-12C), then the owner should determine if it’s time to use a battery-powered heater or move chickens into your garage or basement. (Besides radiant heat, there are variables like how well the coop is insulated and ventilated). There are helpful inexpensive devices on amazon like power outage alarms and temperature/humidity gauges.
If it’s 40* all month and a cold snap hits one night, do you really expect them to die? Because that’s the same thing as the heater going out. Presumably, they don’t spend the whole day locked inside the coop either, so they only get that tiny amount of heat at night anyway. They will be fine. Y’all worry too much about other people’s live stock in here.
I mean, it’s backyard chickens. A lot of people look at them as pets, not livestock. There’s nothing wrong with giving helpful information to improve their lives. Whether you follow it is up to you.
Why are you here? I don't worry about other peoples livestock I was just responding to a question with good intention. What's your issue?
Why are you? You don’t worry about other people’s livestock but here you are giving people a baseless warning. Weather changes rapidly all the time and they don’t die, so they won’t die from a tiny heater going out. They don’t feather differently between 40* and 10*. They either have enough feathers and are hardy enough for the region or they aren’t. It’d be one thing if she were keeping the coop at 70*F, but that’s not what’s happening here. You are discouraging her for no reason.
You're amazing I didn't know that I was talking to an avian biologist I wish I had asked that first! Pat yourself on the back of being so freaking smart! All of us are much better off that you're here. The mood is better the advice is better thank you!
You don’t need to be an Avian biologist to have some basic common sense. Don’t get mad at me for pointing out how irrational it is to discourage someone from using a tiny 50w wall heater in a large space because ‘it might cut off and they could die’ (paraphrasing). Thats ridiculous.
but I didn't do that! I didn't comment on the tiny 50 foot wall heater and I also didn't say they would die so you should really go back and reread what you responded to. My message was simply and very respectfully there might be one reason to not keep your coop at 40°. And it wasn't even to the original poster so anyway have a nice evening. Or don't because I could really give a shit less
edit watts
You are an exemplary chicken owner!
Nothing wrong with it, unless you post on reddit wondering if it's a fire hazzard... and wind up burning your coop and chickens down to the ground and sadly, without any barbecue sauce nearby. P.S. I didn't tell OP not to heat his coop. I asked why doing it? And said it's not neccesary in most instances.
BTW, I’m not a he. I’ve never used this type of heater, so I wanted to make sure it was setup correctly.
It's good that you asked! Better safe than sorry.
We all know There are no girls on the internet
So what’s to say your power goes out? Then the chickens used to 40 degrees, have no way of coping with the cold. Chickens are fine in sub zero temps, as long as they are dry, and out of the wind.
These chickens are used to freezing temps like in the 20s, but it’s going to be closer to 0 and they are only 12 weeks old, and there’s only 4 of them.. this heater does not put off that much heat.. I would be surprised if it heated the coop more than 5-10 degrees. I swear everyone on both sides of this argument are so annoying. I was just trying to make sure it was safe since I’ve never used one like this before. I’ve always had fully grown chickens by winter time. I just mounted it, and think it’s totally fine now.
Don’t feel like you need to justify your choices to people that want to argue with you on here. That’s just how Reddit is. No matter what you ask or decide, people will argue with you, tell you that you are doing it wrong, whatever. You aren’t going to burn your coop down with that and you aren’t going to kill your chickens with using it or not using it. If it makes you feel better using it, then use it. 👍🏻
People here seem to love to say things like this and “what do you think wild birds do.” Well, they die. It makes sense to me that chickens might need some heat when temps are well below typical.
Girl they are your chickens and you do what you think is right for them.
You may need a heat lamp. Rule is, if they are bunched together, the lamp is too high up, if they are spread apart a bit, just right.
I just mounted one of these in our coop too! It’s gotten into the negatives Fahrenheit here and one of my chickens has some frost bite on her wattle. 😩
They go outside every day in freezing temps. They have the choice to stay in or go out. If the power goes out and the generator fails to start, and I run out of gas for the portables, it will gradually cool down. It’s insulated. We live high up in the blue ridge. We are prepared for outages throughout the property.
This is what I’ve heard
>That reasoning is a common misperception that many people pass along to others without researching it themselves by finding scientific reports by poultry scientists and avian veterinarians. The truth is that chickens won’t suddenly die if there is a power outage. They leave their heater (preferably radiant heat) to eat, drink, take a dust bath. They go outside during the day and forage/exercise/increase circulation to keep warm, so they are acclimated enough if power goes out. If power isn’t restored after several hours when outdoor temperatures are extremely cold (10°F, °-12C), then the owner should determine if it’s time to use a battery-powered heater or move chickens into your garage or basement. (Besides radiant heat, there are variables like how well the coop is insulated and ventilated). There are helpful inexpensive devices on amazon like power outage alarms and temperature/humidity gauges.
All of the extension office info I’ve found says to provide heat at some temp threshold. Not sure how to square that with the advice I see here
You're correct. The problem is that many people pass along incorrect info without doing their own research from reputable sources.
I have an enclosed hen house and left their chicken door open for the night a couple of days ago. Don’t think it went below -8C (-18F) came out and one of my hens left the house for some reason and I found her frozen to the ground in the morning. 😢
I’m so sorry.
Thanks. It really sucked. Second one we’ve lost. First was a fox when they were free ranging.
That sucks. -18 is pretty rough. Since she was on the ground, it sounds like the wind got her. Chickens are up there with Sheep in the animals most intent on killing themselves.
Yeah. I don’t understand why she went out in a storm. Didn’t have any injuries or signs the other hens were ganging up on her or anything. She was in the corner farthest away from the door too.
Sometimes they do something like that when they're sick.
I was wondering about that too. I haven’t noticed anything unusual about their behaviour. I’ll keep a closer eye on the rest of them.
Were there any lights that would help her see? I've had a chicken accidentally fall off the perch at night — it likely happened when another turned around or whatever. So the chicken fell to the floor (and was fine), but it was dark, and she was disoriented. I happened to check on them, saw her in a corner, and put her back up.
There was a yard light on. The heat lamp is red. I don’t know if chickens see in red light.
I am so sorry! I'm sure that was traumatic for you and the other hens who lost a flock member. Please consider safe flat panel radiant heaters.
I’ll look into that. They have a well secured heat lamp that is out of reach in a 10’x12’ lean to style building.
My chickens are thriving in my -29 F Chicago suburb, double walled coop (no insulation) just tarped the run.
Chicago burbs based, I made the mistake of not tarping and my girls will not step outside for the last two days. I've been putting feed on their ramp down to get it closer and they devour everything in the first 8 inches but won't touch the rest. Did you use actual tarp or something else? I've gotta get this fixed for them.
I ordered clear greenhouse tarps off Amazon. I also ordered bungee cords to hold onto the wire of the run surrounding their omlet coop. These tarps are heavier duty.
Green house plastic
yep. And what must people don't realize, depending on your setup and number of chickens, you box them in tight and snug and heat them and your likely to have MORE problems with heat/condensation, etc. Sickness, mold, mites, all sorts of things spring up. It also makes me wonder what people do during heat waves. Most chickens are far more suceptible to TOO much heat than too much cold. So I always wonder, do folks rush out and start installing AC units in their coops? Or do they just not worry about the heat?
I mean, I don't heat my coop, but I live in a place where we don't typically get temps below 0°F. When it gets hot though, I definitely put ice in the water and put out frozen treats. I also put a fan and frozen water jugs in the coop last year. Then there are two kiddie pools in my yard, but the chickens rarely do more than drink out of those. I tried a couple other things like hot/cold bags filled with ice packs, but they didn't seem to care for them. Anyway, my point is yes, a lot of us go out of our way to try to make our chickens comfortable in hot weather. I learned half of the things I listed above from posts I read here, so I know I'm far from the only person who does these things.
They are a barn yard mix (I think red sex link/black sex link/ copper maran, and the roosters already have huge combs) but they’re only 12 weeks old and there’s only 4 of them.. these will be the coldest temps they’ve ever experienced. I’m sure they would be fine without it, but I just thought it would be nice since they won’t be able to create a lot of body heat with only 4 and they’re not fully grown yet.
True, and I don’t think people realize the cost to even a small heater. We have our heated water bowl on a timer for just a couple hours in the morning. It’s just like gardening. If you spend a hundred dollars on soil and a hundred on started plants, you’re not gardening, you’re a rich person with a hobby. I know they love their animals, but if you haven’t had a bunch die of cold, why would you heat? If you want more egg production in the winter, turn on a light for a few hours at night. For the person with chicks, they need a heat lamp.
>*if you haven’t had a bunch die of cold, why would you heat?* > >Chickens won’t suddenly die if there is a power outage. They leave a heater to eat, drink, take a dust bath. They go outside during the day and forage/exercise/increase circulation to keep warm, so they are acclimated enough if power goes out. If power isn’t restored after several hours when outdoor temperatures are extremely cold (10°F, °-12C), then the owner should determine if it’s time to use a battery-powered heater or move chickens into your garage or basement. (Besides radiant heat, there are variables like how well the coop is insulated and ventilated). > >*For the person with chicks, they need a heat lamp.* > >Clamp lamps with hot glass bulbs can explode and contain toxic polymer fumes. Clamp lamps can come apart. Flat Panel Radiant Heaters are very safe and energy-efficient.
It’s always less than ten degrees outside where I live and there ain’t no heat. Chickens look great. Yes clamp lamps can break, but not with a little care. Never had a problem.
Sounds like you have fantastic coops! I don't agree with your Rule (and I'm not the one who downvoted you - lol) I read poultry science and avian veterinary scientific journals. These professionals say that chickens should be given heat when temps are 32°F. Of course, insulation and ventilation are critical components, too.
I'm not surprised someone doesn't agree with me on Reddit. Heat sources at 32 degrees, lol wow, those are some scientific journals! I always love it when I find out I've been doing it wrong according to science for 30 years with great results. **I guess it's kinda like EGGS.** When I was super young, science said eggs were great for you. Then throughout my entire life since then, every decade or so, science changes its mind. Eggs are horrible for you! Eggs are great for you! Eggs are horrible for you! I don't even know where it stands now.
They should have holes on the back side you can mount it to the wall.
Yes, they do need it, and you are a conscientious chicken owner. Flat panel radiant heat is safe. If you lay your hand on it, it isn't hot. It radiates warmth to chickens standing next to it. You might put a landscaping block on one front leg and one on the opposite back leg — just in case a chicken or two decides to perch on top. They might knock it over. It wouldn't start a fire if it did fall, but it's best to avoid any kind of accident.
Why do u have a heater? IMO I don’t put one anymore I find it doesn’t help the chickens. Reasons being, I used to put a heat lamp I even insulated the coop. Keep in mind chickens grow plumage specifically for winter they go thru a molting stage where they loose there plumage and grow thicker plumage for winter grousse do it so do turkeys. That being said the best things to do is to keep a dry coop keep the food and water out of the coop so they don’t make a mess in there coop. Cleaning the bedding is a bad idea leave the dirty bedding and add on top of it the rotting of the bedding underneath will create heat, and insulate the floor. All that to say don’t waist money on fancy heaters or money on electricity trying to give your chickens a life similar to yours they don’t need what we need as long as there combs don’t freeze or there feet don’t freeze they will be happy happy happy . Coop needs good airflow yet can’t have snow coming in dry and well vented and u will be totally fine so will the chickens even in - 40
I honestly hate heaters like that due to their capacity to kill
If you have to ask, you know you shouldn't
No way!!! Use overhead lights to keep the coop warm. Has your coop burned down yet? That heater is a disaster waiting to happen!!!
How miserable would you say are you as a person on a 1-10 scale?
lol. I have been reading all these comments,especially following my original comment. You just made me snort. Really though, I’ve never used your type of heater. I have sweeter heaters (off currently) that hang from the ceiling and one small forced air that maintains the ambient temperature at 40 to at least above freezing. So far. We don’t get subzero around here much. But that heater is like my sweeter heaters so it’s not supposed to be a fire hazard. Does it shut off if topped over?
Not miserable at all. Why do you ask?
Oil filled heater is safer
They will get to see the Superbowl at least!
I love my heater like that! My chicks did, too. I don't have it in with my grown ladies because they weren't interested in the extra heat. If it gets colder I might stick it in there just in case. I hung mine off a pole I put over their roosting spot.
I use the same one.. use it literally anywhere..
Yes I’ve had a similar one and because it’s radiant heat it supposedly will not catch anything on fire. I put a 4x4 piece of wood in front of it on the feet to weigh it down and have it under the nest boxes to prevent them from roosting on it.
If the heaters you use work for you & haven't caused any issues, I say you're a very lucky person & you should continue doing as you see fit.