A coop heater is the most important thing for chickens in harsh cold weather, but choosing the best chicken coop heater is even more important.
As low-quality heater can lead to many issues like risk of fire, less reliability, high energy bills, not evenly distributed heat, affected air quality, and more like this.
Now if you want to avoid these or any other issues related to chicken coop heaters you need to read this piece of content completely.
We will find the best chicken coop heater for your chickens and answer some related queries about heating a coop.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
7 Safest and Best Chicken Coop Heaters
We deeply researched 20 types of products for heating a chicken coop, but these 7 are the best chicken coop heaters we found.
These heaters ensure the safety of your chickens, use a minimum amount of energy (saving you bills), are better and safer than traditional heaters, and come with warranties.
Here is a quick overview:
Cozy Safe Chicken Coop Heater
- With Warranty
- Energy Efficient
- Has Thermostat
- Budget-Friendly
- ELT Certified
K&H Thermo-Peep Heated Pad
- Has Warranty
- Durable & Safe
- With Thermostat
- Energy Efficient
- Low Price
Sweeter Heater for Coops
- With Warranty
- Very Durable
- Thermostat Build
- Safe
- Uniform Heat
PETNF Chicken Coop Heater
- Has Warranty
- Energy-Efficient
- Easy to Install
- UL Standards
- Come in normal/remote/app control
K&H Thermo-Chicken Heating Pad
- With Warranty
- Budget-Friendly
- Energy Efficient
- Durable
- With Thermostat
- Certified by MET Labs
Adjustable & Foldable Heating Plate
- Energy Efficient
- With Thermostat
- Easy to Install
- Safe
- Budget-Friendly
Ceramic Heater Emitter for Chickens
- Energy efficient
- Heat up Fast
- Easy to Install
- Low Cost
- Safe for Chickens
Let’s see one by one in detail so you can make an informed decision and choose the best heater for your chickens.
Cozy Safe Best Chicken Coop Heater
Size: 23″L x 13″W x 13″H
Dimen: 18.98 x 0.63 x 12.01 inch
Material: Plastic
Weight: 4.93 pounds
Stock Availability: Available
The first thing when considering a coop heater for your chickens is safety and the Cozy is one of the safest and best chicken coop heaters you will ever find.
Cozy safe heater comes in a flat-panel design and 200 watts with the best thermal protector which should never be ignored in a chicken coop heater.
The cozy safe chicken coop heater is also easy to install and has a user-friendly feature that anyone can use easily.
This flat-design heater is like a small TV with a size 18.98 x 0.63 x 12.01 inches and weighs around 5 pounds, making it easy to handle and carry.
Here are some of the best features of Cozy Safe Coop Heater:
Thermal Protector: This radiant heater heats your chicken coop gently and prevents frostbite. Its thermostat also prevents overheating, making it perfect for outdoor coops.
Safe to Use: Cozy is one of the safest coop heaters tested by the ETL (a program that tests, and certifies electrical and gas-powered things to ensure safety).
This is also safer than a brooder, and heat lamps have low energy consumption and almost no risk of fire. Moreover, they have a durable, protected electric cord for chicken safety.
Energy-Efficient: Cozy heater is way better than a standard 1500-watt space heater. Using just 200 watts of electricity, it can heat up to 170°F and save energy costs.
User and Beginner-Friendly Features: The cozy is easy to install heater has a large on and off button with in cord switch for fingertip control which makes it user-friendly.
What We Like
- Come with 30-day warranty
- Less energy consumption
- Has thermostat
- One of the safest
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to carry
- ELT tested and certified
- No bulbs or lamps are needed
What We Don't
- Make of Plastic
- Not best for a large flock
- Doesn’t transfer heat to corners
K&H Thermo-Peep Best Heater for Chicks
Dimen: 12 x 9 x 0.5 inch
Weight: 1.67 ounces
Wattage: 25
Stock Availability: Available
KandH thermo peep heated pad is designed for baby chicks as well as large chickens, and it has a thermostat controlled to turn it on and off as needed.
The chicken coop heated pad is easy to clean with a damp towel or sponge and some dishwashing detergent.
By providing just warmth and preventing too hotness they ensure the safety of your chicks and chickens.
Here are some best features:
Thermostat: It is thermostatically controlled, so you need to just plug it in; it will automatically turn on or off as needed.
Versatile: You can use this in both outdoor and indoor coops, and it can easily be carried and placed in your chicken coop.
Durable: The best thing is this is made of rigid ABS plastic with a capped cord made of steel and the edges are round making it perfect for larger flocks also.
Energy Efficient: The K&H heated pad just uses 25 watts of electricity and in about 20 minutes this pad will be enough heated and gently warm your chickens.
Safe to Use: This heating pad is tested & certified by MET, which is why this is the safest option for you to warm your chickens in harsh winter.
What We Like
- 1-year warranty
- Durable
- Safest
- With thermostat
- Energy efficient use 25 watts
- Chickens can come in direct contact
- You can use indoors and outdoors
- Low price, high value
What We Don't
- Not produce enough heat
- Potential melted issues
- Take time to warm
- Chickens need to be close to the heating pad to stay warm
Best Sweeter Heater for Chicken Coops
Dimen: 11″D x 16″W x 2″H
Weight: 3 pounds
Heat Output: 50 Watts
Voltage: 1.2E+2 Volts
Heating Coverage: 176 square feet
Stock Availability: Available
The sweeter heater is another good choice for coops. This is a safe, reliable, energy–efficient, and indestructible that heats chickens underneath.
Come with a great thermostat, this is designed to hang from the ceiling or other things at about 6-20 inches over the chickens.
With a 3-year warranty, this heater will heat your chicken uniformly and softly with a safe range from 160-180F.
A sweeter heater for chickens is designed to warm just chickens, not the environment with low energy consumption.
Some of the best features are below:
Safe to Use: It comfortably warms your chickens with surface temperature ranges from 160-180°F which is considered safe for chickens. All the components used in the heater are completely safe.
Easy to Install: With a straightforward process It’s very easy to install, just unbox it and hang it to the ceiling with hooks.
Thermostat Build: Come with a thermostat that will automatically turn on or off as needed, so you are free after the plug.
Energy Efficient: The Sweeter heater is an energy-efficient option with 150 watts with an average of 7 days energy cost 24×7 is $3.02
What We Like
- 3-year warranty
- Very Durable
- Thermostat build
- Safe for chickens
- Easy to install
- Develops uniform heat pattern
What We Don't
- Expensive
- Needs to be hung
- Sometime it smells
PETNF Affordable Chicken Coop Heater
Dimen: 16.14 x 12.05 x 2.32 inch
Weight: 1 pound
Wattage: 140
Stock Availability: Available
PETNF chicken coop heaters come in three varieties the first one is temperature control the second one is remote control and the third one is smart app control
All three 3 produce radiant heat making it very safe for your chickens, this heater also has a thermal protector and heat-sensitive sticker for additional safety.
Each variety has its own best features that stand out, click the above price button to see.
Variety 1: Temp Control Chicken Coop Heater
Thermal Protector: The thermostat works as double safety.
With Heat-Sensitive Sticker: These heaters come with heat-sensitive stickers that will alert the condition of temperature!
How? These stickers will be black when the temperature goes below 113 ℉ and will be red when the temperature goes above 113 ℉.
Energy-Efficient: Consumes just 140 watts of electricity, prevents too much cost of bills.
Easy to install: Anyone can install them with 2 options, standing style and wall-mounted style. Moreover, you can also pair this with a 9.8 ft wire to extend your use of the space.
Variety 2: Remote Control Chicken Coop Heater
Remote Control: You can control this by a remote, on or off the heater, increasing or decreasing temperature, setting the timer, etc.
Waterproof: This heater is also waterproof, made of flame-retardant materials, and has an ASB aluminum panel.
Foldable: This is also foldable, folded to an angle of approximately 45–180° and you can easily install it to any corner, mount it on the wall, or stand it at 180°.
Energy Efficient: By using 180-watt energy this remote control chicken coop heater is very energy efficient.
Other: Features of 1st variety.
Variety 3: Smart App Control Chicken Coop Heater
App Control: You can use a mobile app to control this chicken coop heater.
Other: Features of 1st and 2nd variety.
What We Like
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
- Energy-efficient
- Multiple ways of installation
- Easy to install
- Come in normal/remote/app control
- Produce radiant heat
- Meets UL testing standards
What We Don't
- Not best for larger areas
- Effective range is small at 40cm
- Somehow complex design
K&H Best Chicken Heated Pad
Dimen: 18.5 x 12.5 x 0.5 inch
Weight: 2 pounds
Wattage: 40
Stock Availability: Available
The second heated pad is also by KandH, which is made of peck-resistant ABS plastic, steel-wrapped cord, and rounded edges ensuring the safety of chickens.
With a thermostat, it’s super energy efficient, can save you a lot of energy bills, and can be used outdoors and indoors.
Below are some best features:
Thermostat: This can automatically be on or off as needed.
Versatile: You can use this outdoors as well as indoors, also with the ease of installation you can mount this horizontally and vertically.
Durable: Made with rigid ABS plastic, steel cord, and round edges.
Energy Efficient: Just use 40 watts of energy, and keep your chickens warm enough to make this super energy efficient.
Safe to Use: The Thermo chicken heating pad is tested and certified by MET Labs, exceeding USA and Canada electrical safety standards, making it very safe for chickens.
What We Like
- One-year limited warranty
- Budget-friendly
- Super energy efficient
- Durable
- You can use outdoor and indoor
- Build with thermostat
- Tested & certified by MET Labs ensuring safety
What We Don't
- Take time in heating
- Produce little heat
Adjustable and Foldable Chicken Heating Plate
Dimen: 15.04 x 12.6 x 2.24 inch
Weight: 1 pound
Wattage: 22 watt per hour
Stock Availability: Available
Adjustable and Foldable Heating Plate specially made for your baby chicks to provide them warmth.
With the 12×12 Inch Adjustable Heating Plate, plus a Foldable Anti-Roost Cone, you can create a safe and comfortable space for up to 20 chicks.
It’s safer than heat lamps, adjustable plus foldable, and also energy efficient which can reduce electricity bills.
Here are some features:
Come with Resistance and Temperature Fuse: This heater has safety mechanisms like a resistance fuse and temperature fuse to avoid overheating.
Energy Efficient: Another thing is this just operates on 22 watts per hour and warms the chicks perfectly in an hour.
Safer: It’s safer than heat lamps and significantly reduces the risk of fire, providing a safe environment for your chicks.
Easy to Install: You can easily assemble and install this, with user-friendly instructions included.
What We Like
- With warranty
- Energy efficient
- Adjustable
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to install
- Safe for your chicks
- Come with Resistance and Temperature Fuse
What We Don't
- Hot to touch
- Low-temperature
Ceramic Heater Emitter for Chickens
Dimen: 3″W x 3.93″H
Weight: 11.7 ounces
Wattage: 150
Stock Availability: Available
LUCKY HERP Ceramic Heat emitter is designed to produce heat without emitting any light, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed sleep for your pets.
It quickly heats up in just 10 seconds, reaching the desired temperature in as little as 4 minutes.
It’s made from thick ceramic material and built to last up to 10,000 hours. Installing is a breeze with its standard E26 lamp base and 120-volt compatibility.
Some unique features:
Heating Fast: The ceramic heater emitter is designed to provide rapid heating in just 10 seconds of turning it on and in just 4 minutes this will reach the desired temperature.
Energy Efficient: It comes in 4 variants from 50 to 150 watts, consumes little energy, and provides enough heat.
Sturdy and Durable: Made from thick ceramic material, this heater has exceptional durability and longevity and is built to last up to 10,000 hours.
No Light Emitted: This heater emitter works well without disturbing your chicken’s sleep. It emits heat without any light.
Easy to Install: Installing this heater is a piece of cake, simply screw it into place, and you’re all set to warm your chickens.
What We Like
- You can return it if not best for your needs
- Energy efficient
- Heat up fast
- Easy to install
- Safe for your chickens
- Low cost
What We Don't
- Inconsistent heating
- Some time stopped working
- Sometimes gets extremely hot
How to Choose the Right Heater for Your Chicken Coop?
Choosing the best heater for your chicken coop is easy but you need to give it some attention. Many issues can arise during installation, heating, and heat balancing.
With the right heater, your chickens will continuously lay eggs and feel comfortable at their coop.
Let’s see the 12 key features you need to consider in the best chicken coop heater that will keep your chickens warm and safe throughout winter.
- Quality: Choose a quality heater, as cheaper ones often lack durability, which leads to frequent replacements and potential risks.
- Ease of Installation: Choose a heater that’s easy to install and everyone can do it. Or follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
- Heat Output: Consider the heater’s heat output. Larger farms may require heaters with 1500 to 2500 watts, while smaller coops can operate at just 100 to 150 watts.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient heaters can help reduce electricity costs. Look for adjustable thermostat settings to maintain a stable temperature without overusing them.
- Durability: Durability is crucial as these heaters may operate for long hours. Consider the quality of the materials, and check for warranties or customer reviews.
- Power Source: Most heaters are electric, but some coops may require propane-based models due to a lack of electricity. Choose a heater that matches your power availability.
- Safety Features: Choose heaters that include safety features such as overheating protection, tip-over switches, and protective coverings for heating elements.
- Ease of Maintenance: Look for a heater that is easy to clean and maintain, ensuring it continues to operate efficiently throughout its lifespan.
- Coverage Area: Check the heater’s coverage area, a heater that only warms a small area may suffice for a few chickens but may not be enough for larger coops.
- Motor Noise: Heaters with quiet motors are preferable, as excessive noise can disturb your chickens.
- Remote Control and Timers: Some high-end heaters come with remote controls or timers, allowing you to adjust the temperature without entering the coop.
- Internal Thermostat: An internal thermostat helps maintain a consistent temperature, which is crucial for your chickens’ health.
How to Install a Heater in Your Chicken Coop?
You can easily install any chicken coop heater in just 7 simple steps which are:
- Step 1:
Gather all the tools and supplies you need like a heater, an extension cord, and a thermostat or timer.
- Step 2:
Pick a heater that is safe for your chickens and it should be easy to mount and have features that prevent overheating. Using a radiant heater or a flat-panel heater is safe and effective.
- Step 3:
To prevent fire risks, the heater should be placed somewhere it won’t get wet and away from any bedding material. It should also be high enough that the chickens can’t peck it.
- Step 4:
Follow the instructions that came with the heater to install it properly. Make sure it is firmly attached to prevent it from falling or being knocked over.
- Step 5:
Use the extension cord to plug in the heater. Ensure the cord is not in a way that the chickens can trip over or chew. If the connection is outdoors, use an extension cord that is rated for weather resistance.
- Step 6:
If your heater is equipped with a thermostat, adjust it to the temperature or if it has a timer, set it to turn on during the coldest parts of the day, such as early morning and late evening.
- Step 7:
Check the heater and the temperature regularly to make sure everything is working correctly. Adjust settings as needed to keep your chickens cozy and safe throughout the winter.
When Does Chicken Need a Heater?
Chickens are most comfortable at temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and comfortable at temperatures between 40-45°F (4-7°C).
If healthy and provided with an adequate coop, chickens can handle temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C).
At 20°F (-6°C) or below, they need a heater. You will also notice your chickens huddling together, staying inside all day, puffing up their feathers, becoming less active, and seeming tired.
Providing a heater at this time can create a comfortable environment for them and unfreeze their drinking water/feed.
When Not to Use a Heater?
Sometimes, it’s better not to use a heater in your chicken coop. Chickens are pretty good at handling cold weather because their feathers act as a warm coat.
If your coop is dry and doesn’t have any drafts where the wind can get in, your chickens might stay warm enough without extra heat.
Heaters can be risky since they might cause fires if they’re not used properly. Instead, make sure the coop is clean, dry, and free from strong winds.
Give your chickens plenty of food and water because eating helps keep them warm. When you have more chickens in the coop, they can huddle together to stay cozy.
Chickens are tough and naturally equipped to handle colder weather with their thick feathers. Just keep the coop ventilated but safe from drafts and offer plenty of bedding for extra warmth.
If you rely too much on heaters, chickens might not get used to natural temperature changes, which could make them less resilient in the cold.
How Much Coldness Can Chickens Tolerate?
Chickens are hardy and warm-blooded birds and can handle an unexpected cold.
Their feathers work like a blanket and provide insulation against cold weather. But when the temperature drops too low for chickens to tolerate, then your chickens can suffer.
So how much coldness can they tolerate?
65-75°F (18-24°C) is the temperature at which chickens are too comfortable, and 40-45°F (4-7°C) is the temperature at which chickens are comfortable.
However, if chickens are healthy and have adequate coop, they can handle temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) or more than that.
If the temperature drops below these values, chickens may face serious health issues, like frostbite and a weakening immune system.
Temperature tolerance also varies from chicken to chicken, like the Rhode Island Red and the Plymouth Rock, which handle cold better than others, like the Leghorn.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to avoid any issues related to the coop heater you need to take every step with caution and select the best chicken coop heater.
The seven heaters listed above are currently the best available in the market. To focus specifically on the top recommendations, here are our 3 favorites.
1. Cozy Safe Chicken Coop Heater; with thermostat, safer, best quality
2. K&H Thermo-Peep Heated Pad; with thermostat, safe, versatile
3. Sweeter Heater for Chicken Coops; with thermostat, durable, safe
Prioritize the safety of your chickens by reading customer reviews, selecting based on your specific needs, and making informed decisions.
Which issue arises the most in your chicken coop heater?
Commonly Asked Questions
Are Chicken Coop Heaters Safe?
Most new-generation chicken coop heaters are safe when operated properly; the heater we discussed above is picked by research and can be safe for your chickens.
What Is the Best Heater for a Chicken Coop?
The cozy safe, K&H thermo peep, and sweeter heater are the best in the best chicken coop heater list, however, this also depends on individual specific needs.
Does My Chicken Coop Need a Heater?
Chickens are hardy creatures and can handle between 50-80°F (10-27°C). However, when the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), chickens may start feeling uncomfortable and are unable to generate enough body heat to maintain their ideal body temperature. In such cases, it is recommended to provide them with a source of supplemental heat.
What Temperature Is Too Cold for Chickens at Night?
Generally, temperatures below 20°F (-6.7°C) are considered too cold for chickens, especially if they are exposed to drafts or moisture.
What issues can arise from using a chicken coop heater?
Using a chicken coop heater can present several potential issues, like, Fire Hazard, Overheating, Dependency on Artificial Heat, Increased Energy Consumption, etc. The solution is to choose the best chicken coop heater and make a decision wisely.
Hello! I’m Ibrahim, the owner and writer of this blog. I run a chicken farm with 160 chickens, and I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about raising and caring for them. Now, I want to share my insights and experiences with you to help you in chicken keeping.