leep33•21h ago

I quit using heat lamps after losing a bird to a fire risk last winter

Everyone says heat lamps are mandatory for winter chicks but after my neighbor's coop went up in flames I switched to a heated brooder plate from Tractor Supply and my 6 chicks did fine even in 15 degree weather. Has anyone else ditched the lamps for something safer?

2 comments

2 Comments

davidh8816h ago

Huh, did the heating plate actually keep them warm enough on those cold nights?

sethr1111h ago

You know, I used to be super skeptical about those heating plates. Thought they were just a gimmick or something that'd barely take the chill off. But then a buddy of mine who volunteers with a rescue group let me borrow one for a litter of abandoned kittens we found, and man, it totally changed my mind. Those little guys were shivering and curled up on it within minutes, and they slept like rocks all night, even when it dropped below freezing outside. It's not gonna replace a full heat lamp or anything, but for keeping a small animal comfortable through a cold snap, it honestly works way better than I ever expected.