heat lamp vs. ceramic heat emitter

[kemclaughlin]

Does anyone know which is more expensive to run?

We are getting ready to move all of the chicks to the coop, but they will need a lamp at least some nights for the next month or so. Which do you guys recommend? We will be very careful about hanging it to prevent a fire hazard.

 

[patandchickens]

I'd suggest maybe "neither" -- try just one or two regular 100w lightbulbs. Because they get less hot, individually, they are less of a fire hazard (and needn't be kept *as* far from flammables like bedding) -- all you need is a guard to prevent chickens from knocking into them. It depends, of course, on how your coop is set up and how many chickens you have and so forth, but often it's a viable option to consider.

The wattage that is used is printed on the bulb (or emitter). That determines how much electricity they use. And you get pretty much the same conversion of electric watts into heat from any electric heating device, there is no meaningful difference in efficiency to worry about. So a 175w heat-emitter uses the same electricity, and produces basically the same heat, as a 175w "junior heat lamp bulb" or a combination of one 100w lightbulb and one 75w lightbulb (er, if you could find a 75w bulb

- but you know what I mean)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[WoodlandWoman]

How old will they be and how cold will the nights be?

 

[kemclaughlin]

I have three buff orpingtons that will be four weeks on Monday. The rest are all 6 or 7 weeks old and are fully feathered. I want to put them all in the coop at the same time, and I want them out of my house. I just don't want the BO to freeze. Barring an unexpected late frost, it's expected to be between 45-50 at night for the next few weeks.

 

[punk-a-doodle]

I personally only use heat lamps inside because they do shatter if they get wet. Expensive to replace, and dangerous to the bird when shattered. They are commonly used outdoors though, and many don't mind the occasional shattered bulb.

 

[Sorin]

I can't testify to the electricity cost, but I use a ceramic heat emitter and I like it. I don't like the idea of the bulb for safety reasons even though I know many people have used them with no problems. Every time I read about a heat bulb disaster I'm thankful I have my heat emitter

 

[Kuvasz]

Have tried all 3. The 100 watt bulbs didn't put out enough heat for me, and too much light which was irritating to the chicks. The heat lamps worked well, and used it from last summer (we had some very cool nights for baby chicks last summer) and straight through the winter with no shattering. Also bought the 'lizard lamps', and I like those alot! They put out no heat, and seem safe enough. For the comfort it gives my chickies, it's worth checking on them a little more often to make sure no accidents are waiting to happen....and so far, all has gone well. I just make sure nothing can touch them and that they won't fall down and create a fire hazard below. I can't stand the thoughts of my pets being cold. just because they can 'survive' cold temps, doesn't mean it's pleasant or comfortable to do so. I think the lizard lamps used less electrical than the heat lamps, but can't say for sure.

Not to mention, they laid an egg every single day throughtout the entire winter!! I'm pretty sure it's because they had balanced amounts of heat and light and lots of hot oatmeal.

Also, I wrapped an old quilt around their roosting pole so they could keep their feet a little bit warmer...they LOVE that! Honestly, I'd learn to knit them socks if I thought they'd wear 'em.