The Dangers of Heat Lamps in Chicken Coops

Chickens, ducks, and other poultry should be protected from the cold when temperatures drop in the winter. However, heat lamps should not be used, and have no place in chicken coops or barns. Every year there are reports of fires occurring, where coops burn down, killing all the birds inside who are unable to escape. Fires can also spread to nearby structures. There are safer and more energy efficient heat source alternatives then heat lamps, as well as various methods of winterizing structures to maximize their effectiveness.