Hi! We need an alternative to electric heat lamps for our baby chicks. They will be staying in an outdoor shed that does not have electric. So...is there some kind of other heating device to keep them warm? Thanks
Alternative to electric heat lamp?
I've seen brooders...they were old,but they ran on propane
editted to add
Farmtek has them
http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplies/prod1;ft1_poultry_equipment-ft1_brooders_heaters-ft1_infrared_heaters_4;4847ccd.html
This message was edited Mar 13, 2008 8:32 AM
we don't have anything outside either so i used the outdoor lights that are on the house. it can be a hazard running an electical cord across the ground though. replaced the light socket with a screw in outlet plugged up 2 cords, then my shed got the heat lamps they needed. don't forget to seal(tape) up the connecting parts with electrical tape. it works for me for a month now.
Depending how far from your nearest outlet your shed is, you can use an outdoor extension cord to hook up electricity. We have done this for three or four years now with no problems. But, DO make sure you are using an OUTDOOR extension cord. These are heavy duty cords and will say so on the underwriters tag that should be on the cord. Ours is about 100ft long. And of course we do have our plugs wrapped with electrical tape. We have our heat lamp, light, and water heater base hooked up to the one cord.
Hope this works for you.
I ran a big orange ext cord too for the winter. Inside the coop I used a heavy duty corded splitter so I could run a couple of lights and the deicer. I did use electrical tape to tape where the plugs attached so dust didn't build up and start on fire. I am just paranoid. We are running permanent electricity this summer.
Thanks for the advice. It's too far to run an extension cord, and with my little kids running around outside, I don't really like the thought of the cord running across the yard...not to mention the dog! So I really need to find some kind of propane option. Does anyone have experience with this? Thanks again!
wish i could help with that propane but the idea of it scares me. a heater in with chickens, hay and all that dust they kick up? yup chills down my back. i have 125 feet running to my chick hut. i have lots of kids running loose dogs all over and a husband who enjoys running over things with the lawn mower. so 125 feet of lime green cord. no problems. everyone can see it, my kids know not to touch it and the dogs are not interested in it. how far is your building from an electric outlet?