At six weeks, hatched chicks/birds will attempt to fly out of a brooder. During this time, the best thing to do is move them to a coop where they can enjoy freedom. Birds are free-range creatures, thus, having enough feeding and roaming area for them is one of the secrets of happy, and successful homesteaders.
However, it is noteworthy that while in the coop, and given lots of space therein, you should keep your birds warm, especially during winter, when temperatures range from super cold to below freezing point.
While your feathery friends will most of the times huddle together at some corner in the coop to keep warm, you need to do more. It is why; as a poultry farmer who wants to raise healthy birds, solar-powered heat lamp for a chicken coop is a must-have at this point.
Here at fromscratchmag.com, we help you make the best decisions so you can begin practising homesteading like a professional. In this review, we walk you through the best chicken coop heaters for the money.
We also walk you through tips that will help you use these accessories correctly such as:
- Why it is important to use chicken coop heaters specifically designed for cooping.
- When is the right time for heating coops?
- Top product recommendations from fromscratchmag.com you can trust.
- Get to learn about more ways of keeping chicken warm during cold weather.
- Important factors you should consider when buying heaters.
- Warm chickens without burning your coop down.
Table of Contents:
Importance of Using Chicken Coop Heaters:
When it comes to keeping chicken warm, it is not all the times that they need heat. During summer, for example, there is a high risk of fire hazard. But a necessity to inject warm into their coop during cold weather is the reason why we have so many heaters in the market. Also, newly hatched chicks can hardly survive frostbite or cold weather.
Thus, the only way of saving them from imminent death due to cold is installing a top-quality heater in the coop. It is the best thing you can do to aid their natural growth.
When To Use a Chicken Coop Heaters?
For beginners, a lack of information is often a big disadvantage, especially when it comes to raising chicken the right way. With heating the coop being an indispensable undertaking, at least at some point as chicks grow, you’ve got to, first of all, understand that chicks need more heat than adult hens or cockerels.
Their core temperature after hatching is lower than 103 degrees Fahrenheit compared to that of adults-which ranges between 105 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit. It, therefore, goes that chicks need heat until they reach a certain heat. And while at it, it is important to ensure there is proper ventilation in the coop to avoid fire hazards.
Top 5 Best Coop Heaters for Chicken (Recommended):
Now, having the right information that would make it possible to put money on the best products is why you are here. Thus, in this section, we help you make the best selection of top quality chicken coop heaters. Take a look at our top picks:
SWEETER HEATER Infrared Heater for Chicks and Pets, 150Watts, 11×40 Overhead
Sweeter heaters are some of the most popular in the market today. After comparing wide-ranging products from this company, its infrared heater for chicks pets caught our attention. And if you ask why, we would say it is because of the following:
- Since 1995, Sweet heater has always delivered on its prime promises. Such is an experience that assures you that 11 x40; 150 watts heater is one of the best on which to put money.
- It features a mount, chains, and hooks that release excess heat.
- If you are looking for an indestructible and safe heater for your chicken coop, SWEETER HEATER is a sure bet for your money.
- Save on energy costs, thanks to a power rating of only 150 watts. It should also interest you to note that this heater ensures even distribution of heat in your room.
- It has a thermostat that helps contain heat within the coop by shutting off and on.
- You can hang this heater anywhere in the coop because it is lightweight.
- While SWEETER HEATER 150 watts cost a little more than Coop heater-200 watts, it is still worth the money for poultry farmers looking for a top-quality product.
Items: | Dimensions | Watts | Types | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
SWEETER HEATER 1 | 40 x 11 x 2 in | 150 | Overhead | Check here |
SWEETER HEATER 2 | 30 x 11 x 2 in | 100 | Overhead | Check here |
SWEETER HEATER 3 | 40 x 11 x 2 in | 150 | Side Mount | Check here |
COZY PRODUCTS LIMITED Safe Chicken Coop Heater 200 Watts, Safer than Brooder Lamps-One Size
We have tested several coop heating apparatus in the market and products from Cozy are some of the best and worth the money. A safe chicken Coop heater with a rating of 200 watts isn’t only safe but also energy-efficient.
It works on the premise of radiant heat, which means the closer chickens are to the heating source, the warmer they become.
Most importantly, it is noteworthy that Cozy products have a zero-clearance policy-it means that apart from saving on power cost, they are also efficient circuit breakers (thermostat) in case of fire hazards.
If you need more convincing reasons for putting money on Safe chicken Coop heater-200 watts, they include:
- It is very affordable-you will be putting on money on a cheap product yet assured of the best results.
- It is lightweight, thus, you can hang the heater anywhere inside the coop to minimize the risk of fire hazard.
- With a power rating of 200 watts, this corded device is all you need to keep winter frost away while saving on energy costs. Most heaters have a rating of up to 2000 watts, driving your monthly energy expenses sky high. But that is not the case with Cozy products.
- Buyers enjoy a 6-month product warranty.
- It does not produce noise, hence a quiet and discreet device that will not disturb the peace of your feathery friends.
- It features in-cord functionality for easy fingertip control.
- You don’t need to replace lamps or bulbs with this coop heater, because it uses none. Rather, it is a panel that emits heat, distributing it evenly inside the chicken house.
See Also: Pack of 2
K &H Pets Products Thermo-Chicken Perch
K &H pet products have had a good reputation among competitors in the market for years. If you are looking for a good heater from this company, K&H Thermo-chicken perch is all you need to keep birds safe from winter frostbite.
With a preset temperature that keeps your chicken warm, thanks to a thermostat, K&H Thermo-chicken perch creates a warm and healthy room for your chicken.
There are many other reasons for choosing this product such as:
- It is tested and approved to have MET safety standards within the U.S.A and Canada.
- K&H Thermo chicken perch comes in two sizes; thus, choose a befitting one for your coop.
- Buyers who put money on this product enjoys up to a 3-year product warranty.
- It has a circulation that helps keep your birds evenly warmed during cold weather.
Items: | Wattage | Heated | Safety Listing (MET E112895) | Size |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thermo-Chicken Perch | 26"= 40 W; 36"= 55 W; | Yes | MET Listed | 26"; 36"; |
Thermo-Poultry Waterer | 60 | Yes | MET Listed | 2.5 Gallons |
Thermo-Peep Heated Pad | 25 | Yes | MET Listed | 9" x 12" |
Thermo-Chicken Heated Pad | 40 | Yes | MET Listed | 12.5" x 18.5" |
K&H Products Thermo-Chicken Heated Pad-Black
We wanted to be sure K&H products are the best, and after testing the above K&H Thermo chicken perch, we found out that the second one is also one worth recommending to our readers. It has a heating pad, making it function similarly as the one from Cozy we reviewed above.
Moreover, it is one of the cheapest products you will ever find in leading online shopping stores and platforms. But that is not all.
We dug deeper and unearthed even more amazing features of this product. They include:
- You can mount this product horizontally or vertically. Because it radiates heat, it works perfectly whether inside or outside the coop.
- When chicks sit on the heating pad, they obtain warmth.
- It is highly energy-efficient. At only 25 watts, K&H Thermo Chicken heater with a pad is highly cost-effective on energy consumption.
- Buyers who have questions regarding this product enjoy toll-free customer support from the manufacturer, 24/7.
- It features chew-resistant edges, screws, cord and other components.
- The moment you opt for this heater, you are putting money on a MET-certified device. It means you will have become part of a community of poultry farmers that uses safety assured and electrically standardized accessories in the United States and beyond.
- Buyers enjoy up to 1-warranty when they put money on K&H Thermo Chicken heater with a pad.
250 Watt Red Brooder Heat Lamp Bulb Chicken Coop Heater Hen House Baby Chick, 250 Watts
Rite Farm Products is another that has a good reputation among the many coop heaters in the market. If you need the cheapest heater for the money, it will help keep your chicken warm during the cold season. It packs incredible features such as:
- While it has a power rating of 250 watts, higher than the above coop heaters, this product from Rite Farm Products will save you on energy costs.
- It heats coop by way of radiation. Thus, every baby chick gets enough warm to keep them comfortable and safer from frostbite.
- Use with 110 voltage power socket, E27 U.S.A standardized.
- It is another lightweight product you can hang anywhere in your chicken coop. At only 10.1 pounds, both shipping and actual weight, you have the best and the cheapest heater.
- Product dimensions: 6 x 6 x 6 inches.
- According to the manufacturer, it is a heating bulb that lasts up to 6 to 8 months.
- Poultry farmers who have this heater say their chicken is very happy, strong and healthy.
- If you are looking for a top-quality bulb for your livestock, 250 Watt Red Brooder Heat Lamp Bulb Chicken Coop Hen House Baby Chick is all you need to get started.
See Also:
Most Efficient Ways Of Keeping Chicks Warm During Cold Weather:
While you will agree that most ways of keeping chicks warm during winter are artificial, using electronic heaters such as Solar heated chicken coop is not the only effective one. There are many ways of going about this, and they include:
Reduce Drafts
When your coop has holes, you can bet on the fact that it will lose heat very fast. And while that may not be the case with new acquisitions, it is important to seal gaping holes that let in the wind chill. Cold is the worst enemy of newly hatched chicks.
However, do not forget that as much as chicks need adequate warm to grow, they also need fresh air. Thus, as you seal holes using plywood, also ensure there is proper ventilation for air circulation.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is a key aspect of raising healthy chicks. First, it helps regulate heat in the coop. Secondly; poorly ventilated chicken coops are potential health hazards to your feathery friends due to building up of ammonia.
According to experienced poultry farmers, the best way to ventilate the coop is having holes at the top. This way; dry, cool air replaces warm and moist one. It also helps prevent the growth of molds inside the coop. (reference)
Sunlight Heat Trappers
While winters experience shorter days, you can still make the most of available sunlight. However, to trap this heat means you’ve got to install a coop with the best insulators for winders, and also increase thermal mass.
When it comes to the latter, stone/concrete floors, and compose will trap a lot of heat during the daytime then release it at night.
Deep Litter Coop Heating Method
Littering the coop with pine shavings and regularly stirring it up to mix with chicken droppings is a practice that will equally help increase the temperature to desirable levels to that your chicks can stay warm. It is also an effective way of managing waste. However, avoid using shavings from cedar.
Sunroom
Sunroom or green-house styled area in the cook will give your birds more space for roaming while keeping them warm and safe from extreme weather conditions such as snow and rain.
Protection From Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the use of coop heaters result in astronomical temperatures and high levels of humidity. It is especially unhealthy to chicks with that have long wattles and combs.
Now, to protect them against frostbite, use petroleum jelly to cover their combs and wattles. It provides for great insulation against cold so that your birds are healthy and happy, even during winter.
Build Roosts In The Coop
Making it possible for a chicken to roost technically keeps them off the ground. During this time, they will be fluffing their wings and keeping off cold growth. With this, you not only have secured them from sickness but also made them happy and warm.
Top Considerations To Make When Buying Chicken Coop Heaters
As soon as you step out in search of the best coop heaters for the money, it is important to make the right decisions. The big question is this: what are some of the vital features to look for in the best products? Well, here is everything you need to know:
Brand/manufacturer
As you would expect, there are plentiful brands of coop heaters in the market. However, not all will give you the best results. Thus, whether you choose to put money on cozy products, sweeter heater, Brinsea or any other, different homesteaders have a preference for various brands.
Sometimes your selection of the best could be largely influenced by user reviews and ratings, which is always a great lead to the best.
Price
While you would want to put money on the best solar chicken coop heaters, it is also imperative that you consider pricing. As a general rule of the thumb, costly heaters are always the best. However, it is still possible to find under $100 coop heaters that bring out the best results.
Wattage
Wattage or energy rating is a vital factor to consider when putting money on coop heaters. Anything in the range of 100w to 150w watts would do a great job, but even if you get something with a higher rating and provided you can regulate it, your chicks are not in danger.
Warm Chickens Without Burning Your Coop Down
In warming your coop, you shouldn’t overrule fire hazard risk. Thus, it is imperative to always have the following in mind:
- You must inspect electrical installation in the coop to make sure there are no frayed wires. You don’t want to have a situation where sparks lead to a fire breakout, burning you chicken’s house to ashes. Thus, make sure wires have properly insulation at all points.
- Do not smoke around the coop because a simple spark or ember falling off your cigar could ignite a fire and the end would be a catastrophe. It could get worse if something like this happens in the middle of the night when you are fast asleep.
- It is also advisable to the fence of a heating source so that chicken does not reach it easily. If possible, avoid electrical heating. Other ways of heating coops such as deep litter, compost, insulation, thermal mass and use of solar heat collectors will save you from having to continuously check on the state of warmth in the cook and worries about fire hazards.
Heating the Chicken Coop with Solar Energy (Solar Chicken Coop Heater):
Frequently Asked Questions
Fromscratchmag also helps you answer questions that homesteaders often ask about chicken coop heaters. Do you have any questions? But if yours is not among them, please feel free to post them in the comment section at the end of this review. Well, we sampled the following:
Q: My Chicks Are Not Eating And Sleeping. What Could Be The Problem?
A: There are two possible explanations for this situation. First, it could be that they are experiencing hypothermia and secondly, their body temperatures could have dropped below optimal. You can make the chicks active by moving them to a warm room so they can become active and start eating.
Q: My Chicks Have Frostbite In Combs. Should I Increase Heat In The Coop?
A: Well, to begin with, heat is not the cause of frostbite in the combs. Moisture is the problem. The best solution is improving ventilation in the coop. There are professional coop ventilation practices that you should follow to get it right.
Q: Why Is It Hazardous Heating The Coop With Windows Closed?
A: While your instinct will tell you to close every opening while heating the coop because you don’t want warm to escape, it is not advisable. It often leads to a buildup of moisture, which in turn causes frostbite.
Q: Where Do I Get The Best Coop?
A: If you don’t have a coop for your chicks, there are many ways to go about it. First, a DIY one would do for now, especially if you don’t have enough money to purchase a ready-made. Second, those who can afford one can order online from e-stores. You can also check with a nearby homesteader or store for the best one for the money.
Q: Do Chickens Need Heat During Winter?
Often, providing a dependable answer to a question of heating coops during winter is a hard tackle, especially for beginner homesteaders.
You would want to think it is the right thing to do, but it turns out-your feathery friends are hardy creatures that do not need a lot of heat during cold weather.
Thus, a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal enough for their survival.
Conclusion
In the end, fromscratchmag.com always wants the best for you when it comes to homesteading. From recommending top brooders for chickens, the best breeders and waterers to egg chandlers, a happy poultry farmer is sure to reap maximum benefits from return on investment. After reading this review, we hope that you’ve at last found the best coop heaters.
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