No more fire risk, no more frostbite— these heaters will keep your chickens warm and toasty in the safest possible way!
To use a chicken coop heater or not?
Every chicken keeper will have a different opinion on using a chicken coop heater— some will say it’s necessary for raising chickens, while others will say it’s just a gimmick.
As longtime chicken farmers ourselves, we’ve already heard various arguments regarding chicken coop heaters. The most common one we tend to hear is that chickens can regulate their own body temperature anyway, so an ‘insulated’ coop would be enough to keep them warm.
And that’s a valid point!
It’s true that chickens are extremely adaptable animals, after all. In general, they can survive in the winter, even in sub-freezing temps, thanks to their feathers that provide great insulation. Those fluffy feathers can also protect their feet and other exposed parts from the bitter cold.
But this argument ignores that some breeds of chickens are less cold-hardy than others. For example, tropical breeds such as Sultans are great at handling hot climates but will do poorly in very cold weather. Some breeds, such as Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds, have large combs that make them susceptible to frostbite.
Age and health are factors that need to be considered, as well. Chickens in vulnerable life stages and sick ones wouldn’t be able to handle bitterly cold weather as well as younger and healthy ones can.
And that’s why coop heaters are something we always invest in.
Of course, you can always just use some good ol’ heating lamps. But why would you when there are plenty of safer, more energy-effective options that are available today?
That’s what we’re going to discuss in this article.
In this guide, you’ll read about:
- The seven best chicken coop heaters you can buy today;
- The pros and cons of each product;
- Different types of coop heaters to suit your needs;
- The most important things you should look for when buying coop heaters;
- Our top tips regarding chicken care and coop heaters;
- And plenty more…
Can’t wait to see our picks?
Then keep on reading!
INTRODUCTION
In the past, chicken farmers had to resort to heat lamps to heat a chicken coop or a chicken brooder. While heat lamps do provide warmth to backyard chickens, they can also be very dangerous.
And there’s also the fact that bright lights can cause stress to your chickens!
Lucky for us, we now live in a time where there are plenty of options for everything, including heat sources for our chicken coops.
We searched the market for the best heaters for chicken coops that are durable, energy-efficient, and, most importantly, completely safe.
Every chicken farmer has different needs depending on the size of their coop, the breeds of chickens they raise, and their budget. Taking that into consideration, we made sure to include different types of heaters, from flat panel heaters to infrared heaters, and different price points, too.
Scroll down to find the new addition to your chicken coop!
Best Chicken Coop Heater
Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Chicken Coop Heaters
What are the different types of chicken coop heaters?
Brooder plates
If you have young chicks, brooder plates are your best bet. This type of coop heater is specifically designed to provide very gentle warmth to freshly hatched chicks. It’s basically a plate with a heating element on its underside, and the chicks can gather under it for warmth. It closely replicates how a mother hen keeps her baby chicks warm, comfortable, and cozy underneath her wings.
Oil-filled radiator heaters
For more customizability and adjustability, oil-filled heaters are a great option. These heaters usually have multiple heat settings, safety features, and digital thermostats. The downside to this heater type is that they can be quite pricey and high-maintenance.
Flat-panel heaters
Flat-panel heaters are reminiscent of a flat-screen TV in appearance. This type is great if you want to heat only certain areas of your coop. Another good thing about flat panel heaters is that you have the option to mount them on a wall or place them on the floor to stand freely.
Features to look out for
Safety
First and foremost, you have to make sure that you’re buying a coop heater that’s 100% safe to use. These heaters don’t get too hot, so you don’t have to worry about them causing a fire, and they comply with safety standards. Some also have additional safety features, such as a metal protective cover on their cords, an automatic shut-off feature, and a child lock function.
Durability
Every chicken farmer knows that it can sometimes be chaotic inside a chicken coop, so choosing a coop heater that can survive minor accidents is extremely important.
Energy-efficiency
No one wants their electric bill to go up, so energy efficiency is another feature that you don’t want to overlook. Go for coop heaters that only use a little amount of power.
Chicken Coop Heaters Top Tips
- Along with using a coop heater, it’s important to minimize drafts in your chicken coop, too. To do that, check for any hole where cold air can pass through. If there are, use things like cardboard, tarp, or plywood to cover them. Make sure to leave some holes on top of the coop for ventilation.
- Keeping your chickens active will warm up their bodies, especially in the winter, so make sure they’re getting some exercise.
- Always check the heaters’ cords for any damage that can be caused by chickens pecking on them. Replace damaged ones right away.
- Another great way to help your chickens keep warm at night is by giving them something to eat before bedtime.
- Make sure that the floor of your chicken coop isn’t damp. Keeping the entire coop as dry as possible can help prevent frostbite in your chickens.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q – When Should You Use a Coop Heater?
A – It’s necessary to use a coop heater if you’re raising a chicken breed that can’t tolerate cold weather, or if you have elderly hens, newly hatched chicks, or sick chickens. A chicken going through the process of molting may also need the extra warmth provided by a coop heater.
Q – What to Consider When Buying a Chicken Coop Heater
A – When buying a chicken coop heater, you have to consider your budget, the size of your coop, and the number of your chicks or chickens.
Q – How do I keep my chicken coop warm?
A – Aside from using a chicken coop heater, some of the best ways to keep your chicken coop warm are to eliminate drafts as much as possible, keep the coop properly ventilated, and use methods such as the “Deep Litter Method”.
Round-Up
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
Coming soon!
Conclusion: Best Chicken Coop Heaters
It’s great being a chicken farmer these days; we have so many choices when it comes to the things that will keep our flocks healthy.
For one thing…
Gone are the days when we had to resort to heat lamps, which could be potentially dangerous, just to keep our chickens warm and toasty come winter.
Some of these modern chicken heaters can be a bit pricey, but for us, having peace of mind is priceless!
If you’re still undecided on which heater to get…
You can’t go wrong with our top three choices: the Cozy Products CL Cozy Safe Chicken Coop Heater, K&H Pet Products Thermo-Peep Heated Pad, and the De’Longhi DeLonghi TRD40615E Full Room Radiant Heater.
The Cozy Products CL Cozy Safe Chicken Coop Heater is our Editor’s Choice for many reasons: it’s super energy-efficient, reliable, and designed for maximum safety.
On the other hand, the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Peep Heated Pad gets our vote for the Best Value award because of its affordability, incredible durability – (it’s going to last you many winters), and ease of use.
And lastly…
If you want extra features and customizability, our Top Pick, the De’Longhi DeLonghi TRD40615E Full Room Radiant Heater, is the way to go. It packs a lot of features for its small and compact size, such as caster wheels, multiple heat settings, ECO function, a programmable timer, and much more. On top of that, it’s also sturdy, and there’s no need for refills, so it’s easy to maintain.
We hope this article has been helpful to you.
Got your pick already? Share it with us— we’d love to hear from you!
