5 Best Chicken Coop Heaters – Don’t Fear Winter Any Longer

By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: February 28, 2024
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During the cold winter months you want your feathered birds to be warm and protected from frostbite. Investing in a heater is the solution for your chicken coop so they’re well looked after. Searching for the best chicken coop heaters? Our product review will help you out.

We’ve put together five of the best chicken coop heaters available. Our Editor’s Choice, the Cozy Products CL Safe Chicken Coop Heater, comes out on top. It has a built-in thermostat that’s designed to keep your coop cozy. No bulbs or lamps need replacing and it’s quiet plus easy to install and clean.
We rate four other products on the market. Each offer important features that’ll guide you to purchase the best one for your chickens.

We’ve spent many hours researching online to source the best chicken coop heaters. Our reviews include various types of heaters, from a flat panel, brooding plate and infrared lamp to a perch & heated pad, each with its own benefits. We’ve looked at wattage and energy consumption to help you save on those electricity bills. Finally, we’ve considered dimensions so you’ll know how it’ll fit in your coop. We’ve tabulated our research findings with a detailed review and overall rating per product. If you’re still unsure, our buyer’s guide will assist you. We look closely at features to consider when searching for the best chicken coop heater. We offer tips and tricks on heating your chicken coop during winter. Our FAQ section gives advice on whether you should open coop windows before heating and when heating your coop should begin. After reading this you’ll have the necessary information to pick from the best chicken coop heaters!

Quick Summary

  • "Safer than brooder heat lamps, this product is available in attractive black plastic resembling a computer monitor. In one size it offers a harmless, low 200 wattage."
  • "Perfect for newly hatched birds, this chicken coop heater with three adjustable brooder panel height settings is artificially radiant-heated underneath to ensure equal temperature and minimizing power consumption"
  • Budget Pick: BYB Infrared Lamp Bulb
    "Offering 150W 24/7, this lamp bulb has a life span of up to 10000 hours with its Ni-Cr Alloy resistance wire, so it’s highly efficient. The product is both anti crack and waterproof for use in humid areas"
  • Best Spray Compatibility: K&H Pet Products Thermo-Chicken Perch
    "Instead of insulating the entire coop and limiting air circulation, this 26” long thermostatically controlled chicken perch avoids humidity build up which could result in frostbite and ensures your chickens won’t have frozen toes during winter."
  • "Simply plug in the pad and feel the warmth within 20 minutes. This chicken coop heating pad can be used indoors or outdoors. It’s ideal for heating chickens and peeps."

Top 5 Chicken Coop Heaters Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2813 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
Features
  • Type: flat panel
  • Wattage: 200 W
  • Dimensions: 19 x 0.6 x 12 inches, 5 lbs

 More features: 6 months warranty, one chicken coop heating, material – plastic, built-in thermostat

The Cozy Products CL Safe Chicken Coop Heater is our Editor’s Choice. Safer than brooder heat lamps, this product is available in attractive black plastic resembling a computer monitor. In one size it offers a harmless, low 200 wattage. The convection and radiant heating system directs warmth where you need it & protects your chickens from cold temperatures without overheating the coop.

Combs and feet are protected from frostbite with the flat heat panel that’s controlled for warmth throughout winter. Two heat settings and a built in thermostat make this an effective & efficient option for your birds.
With the convenient in cord switch you can safely regulate the temperature through fingertip control. At its operational 130°F you’ll know your chickens are comfortable and won’t stop laying those eggs.

The large high visibility on off display ensures you can easily monitor your coop. Why do we love it? You save 87% energy compared to a 1500W space heater. No bulbs or lamps require replacing. It’s discreet, quiet and sturdy. Easy to install and clean, this is an excellent purchase as a small chicken coop heater.

    What stands out?
  • Energy efficient
  • No bulbs or lamps to replace
  • Safe ELT Certified Zero Clearance item
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • California Proposition 65 warning
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2180 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.5
Features
  • Type: brooding plates
  • Wattage: 12 W
  • Dimensions: 12 x 8.0 x 9.0 inches, 1.79 lbs

 More features: 10-foot power cable, main transformer included, holding up to 20 chicks

Our Best Value item’s the Brinsea EcoGlow Brooder for Chicks or Ducklings. Perfect for newly hatched birds, this chicken coop heater is artificially radiant-heated underneath to ensure equal temperature and minimizing power consumption. With three adjustable brooder panel height settings you can accommodate various chick sizes. Holding up to 20 chicks, the adjustable legs for varied height are an added feature.
Encouraging contact brooding, this heater enables chicks to safely touch the underneath of the radiant heat source, imitating the natural way of nestling beside their mother hen’s belly. To brood large groups of chicks simultaneously, you can safely place up to four units side by side in the same coop.
Designed by incubation specialists, this chick brooder’s economical and easy to clean. It’s made of antimicrobial polyurethane plastic. An extremely efficient low cost product, the radiant heat feature is better than conventional suspended heat lamps or mains voltage chicken heating plates.
It’s safe and operates from a 12 volt transformer. The flared skirt design retains heat and saves energy. A handy indicator light confirms the brooder is connected. The bonus? It’s not a light source, so your chicks’ sleeping patterns won’t be disturbed but they’ll be warmed throughout winter.

    What stands out?
  • Adjustable height
  • Clear, durable hygienic ABS plastic cover
  • Extremely energy efficient
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Height setting tricky to change
  • Questionable size
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4405 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.3
3
Features
  • Type: infrared lamp
  • Wattage: 150 W
  • Dimensions: 4.2 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches; 6.4 oz

 More features: suitable for terrariums, lasts up to 10000 hours, large circular emitter

We’ve rated the BYB Infrared Lamp Bulb as our Budget Pick. Made of high purity pottery—ceramic—clay and metal & available in black, no light’s emitted with the intense muscle penetrating infrared heat lamp. Offering 150W 24/7, this lamp bulb has a life span of up to 10000 hours with its Ni-Cr Alloy resistance wire, so it’s highly efficient.
The product is both anti crack and waterproof for use in humid areas. It’s small, but powerful. Simple to plug in, it’s lightweight, mountable and portable.
It should be used only with a porcelain—standard E26—socket. The sturdy, thick lamp base concentrates the heat onto the heating surface. The large circular emitter directs heat to increase the basking area. It’s advised you wait at least an hour to allow cooling after switching off the lamp.
Your chickens will be content this winter with this heat emitter. Functioning as a brooder and grow light for baby chicks & ducks, they’ll be warmed constantly. Without disturbing bright lights they can continue with their regular sleeping schedule in the colder months.

    Why is it special?
  • Affordable
  • Light provides long term health effects
  • Long life bulb
    What are the flaws?
  • Bulb heat hazardous to the touch
  • Potential fire hazard
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4202 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.0
4
Best Spray Compatibility

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Chicken Perch

Features
  • Type: perch
  • Wattage: 40 W
  • Dimensions: 26 x 8 x 14 inches, 2.8 lbs

 More features: available in 2 sizes, 1 year warranty, thermostatically controlled

For its Best Spray Compatibility, we’ve ranked the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Chicken Perch high on our list. This 26” long thermostatically controlled chicken perch ensures your chickens won’t have frozen toes during winter. Instead of insulating the entire coop and limiting air circulation, the thermo perch avoids humidity build up which could result in frostbite.
This chicken perch is a safe and easy way to keep your chickens warm during winter. Invented to endure extreme temperatures, the preset temperature uses dual internal thermostats to maintain a harmless and healthy temperature for your chickens.
The smart technology function switches on the device when temperatures near freezing so your chickens’ entire bodies are warmed through their feet. The bird’s own circulation system works hand in hand with this product. As the temperature increases, the thermo perch automatically shuts off until temperatures drop again.
The unique ergonomically designed perch is designed to work for chickens, other poultry and game bird species. The steel perch is durable and easily cleaned & sanitized.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Effectively heats coop
  • Electrical Safety MET listed
  • Thermostatically controlled
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Chickens might not roost on it
  • Questionable thermostat
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5186 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.8
Features
  • Type: pad
  • Wattage: 25 W
  • Dimensions: 9 x 0.5 x 12 inches, 1.6 ounces

 More features: resists chewing, 1 year warranty, 18 inch power cord, can be mounted vertically or horizontally, for indoors or outdoors use

The last product in our review’s the Best Capacity product. K&H Pet Products Thermo-Peep Heated Pad. Simply plug in the pad and feel the warmth within 20 minutes. This chicken coop heating pad can be used indoors or outdoors. It’s ideal for heating chickens and peeps. It functions extremely well during the first life stages of tiny birds, providing the mandatory heat requirements.
The pad is internally and thermostatically controlled to turn on & off as necessary so your chicks are kept warm even in the coldest temperatures. The result? Your chickens won’t chill and pasting is avoided.
While the pad might not be warm to the touch, it’s still working. Something needs to lean on or against it for the heat to be felt. Test it out by placing a large pillow over the pad until it’s warmed.
Its low power consumption of 25W helps you save energy. The pad contains pre drilled holes in each corner and can easily be mounted either horizontally or vertically using screws or wires. It can be mounted on the side of your coop or in the nesting box. 18” of the cord’s completely covered in steel to resist chewing.

    Why is it special?
  • Easily cleaned
  • Electrical Safety MET listed
  • Energy efficient
    What are the flaws?
  • Insufficient single heat source
  • Potential fire hazard


Things to Consider

When buying chicken heaters make sure you’ve considered various features before taking your pick of the best chicken coop heaters. You’ll be heating your chicks from birth and keeping them warm throughout winter, so your birds need to be warm & healthy. Our buyer’s guide shows you what to look for in terms of type, wattage, dimensions and extra features. You’ll have the necessary insight to select the best chicken heater.

Picking the best chicken coop heaters

5 Best Chicken Coop Heaters - Don't Fear Winter Any Longer

If you’re still not sure about which chicken coop heater to buy, read carefully through these vital features before making your final decision. We’ve taken them all into account in our chicken coop heater reviews to help you out.

Type

You can take your pick between different kinds of chicken coop heaters. Each is safe and has its advantages, but it’s best to know what each offers before you make your purchase. If you’re in search of a flat panel, the Cozy Products CL Safe Chicken Coop Heater’s the one for you. It looks similar to a computer monitor, is ultra slim and your chickens can gather nice & close to it for warmth.

The Brinsea EcoGlow Brooder for Chicks or Ducklings offers a brooding plate kind of hen house heater. It’s been designed by incubation specialists and the legs can be adjusted to varying heights to assist roosting. For something a little different, the infrared lamp in the BYB Infrared Lamp Bulb chicken heater concentrates light onto a heating surface. Despite its small size, it doesn’t fail to deliver heat powerfully, without disturbing your little birds as they snooze.

Perches function brilliantly as chicken house heaters. The K&H Pet Products Thermo-Chicken Perch is ergonomically designed and thermostatically controlled. It aids in warming your chickens from the feet up, and their internal circulation systems function effectively with this heater.

A heated pad such as the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Peep Heated Pad uses a low wattage and helps to heat chicks & peeps. The cord is chew resistant and this product is especially optimal for warming young birds in their early days as well as in those frigid months.

Wattage

As your chicken coop heater is likely to be functioning for a long winter period, you’d like to save on electricity bills as much as possible. For the lowest wattage, consider the Brinsea EcoGlow Brooder for Chicks or Ducklings that uses only 14-18W.

Other alternative low wattage chicken coop heaters include the 25W K&H Pet Products Thermo-Peep Heated Pad and 40W K&H Pet Products Thermo-Chicken Perch. Products with slightly higher wattages are the 150W BYB Infrared Lamp Bulb and 200W Cozy Products CL Safe Chicken Coop Heater.

An infrared lamp’s benefit is it lasts long.

The Cozy Products CL Safe Chicken Coop Heater uses 13% of the energy a 1500W space heater would consume.

Dimensions

Know the size of your chicken coop before you buy the best heater for your birds. It’s crucial to take these measurements to ensure you have enough space for your new chicken coop heater. While the types vary and can be mounted in different ways, it’s important to know what’ll work in your hen house.

It’s also important to remember that your chickens have plenty of room for roosting. You’ll need to allow a minimum of two feet above the ground for this. You could either buy a chicken heater for the current size of your coop or consider how big you’d like to grow your chicken business in the future.

For small coops, consider the lightweight and portable BYB Infrared Lamp Bulb or the sturdy and sound Cozy Products CL Safe Chicken Coop Heater. The Brinsea EcoGlow Brooder for Chicks or Ducklings is small enough for you to have four units side by side in the same coop to brood large groups of naturally nesting chickens together.

Should you wish to further expand your coop, consider the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Peep Heated Pad. You can mount either on the side of your coop or inside your chicken nesting box. Your chickens can stand directly on the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Chicken Perch, so you could install a few of these in your coop for larger groups of birds.

Extra features

5 Best Chicken Coop Heaters - Don't Fear Winter Any Longer

Always look out for the additional features to see what else is included in your product. These can sometimes attract you when you’re undecided on which chicken heater to pick, especially if it meets a specific need you have.

For example, the Cozy Products CL Safe Chicken Coop Heater offers a six-month warranty. It’s been designed for one chicken coop heating and contains a built-in thermostat. Another type of attractive feature is long power cables. With its 10-foot power cable and a main transformer included, the Brinsea EcoGlow Brooder for Chicks or Ducklings holds up to 20 chicks and the cable allows for maneuverability.

Do you perhaps need a specific lamp? The BYB Infrared Lamp Bulb’s suitable for terrariums, has a large circular emitter and lasts up to 10,000 hours. Available in two sizes and with a one-year warranty, the K & Pet Products Thermo-Chicken Perch’s also thermostatically controlled which offers great value for money.

Built with an 18-inch power cord to resist chewing and containing a one year warranty, the K & Pet Products Thermo-Peep Heated Pad can be mounted vertically or horizontally. It’s suitable for indoor or outdoor use. You can see how these features make for easier usage, so consider every item on your specs list before you buy.

Tips and tricks on chicken coop heating during winter

Heating chicken coops in winter can be a challenge. If you have a chicken house heater you’re already well on your way to keeping your chicks content and in good health in the colder months.

Here are eight useful chicken coop heating ideas to further benefit from your chicken coop warmer:

  1. Catch heat through sunlight: With well-insulated windows you can catch heat during daylight hours to heat your coop at night.
  2. Deep Litter Method: This helps to manage your chicken coop litter sustainably and insulate your birds in winter. Layer the floor with pine shavings and simply stir up this bedding with a rake, leaving your flock to naturally proceed. By regularly topping up the pine shavings the litter will form a compost layer inviting good microbes which consume the unhealthy bacteria in your birds’ droppings.
  3. Ensure roosting continues: To keep your chickens warm, make sure they can roost together. Check your roost is at least two feet above the ground and there’s enough space for comfortable roosting. They’ll fluff up their feathers to stay cozy, avoid contact with the cold floor and feel safe.
  4. Insulate your coop: Foam or fiberglass can easily insulate your coop’s walls. Completely cover these with plywood to prevent pecking. A cheaper alternative is to line the walls with horse blankets, other thick fabric or even straw bales for insulation.
  5. Maintain good ventilation: Airflow shouldn’t be restricted, as it can lead to ammonia buildup. A sufficient mesh ventilation system is required so your chickens stay healthy. Place vents towards the coop’s roof and vent out the warm, moisture filled air. They should be opened and closed when needed. This way, humidity will decrease and mold won’t grow on your chicken’s bedding.
  6. Offer fresh water and fine food: Like humans, chickens eat more during winter to keep them warm and offer protection. Ensure their feed is of a good quality, with additional protein to grow feathers for warmth. Mealworms are a tasty winter snack. Top up their fresh water supply regularly.
  7. Reduce drafts: Avoid the wind chill factor in your chicken coop. Make sure any air leaks are well sealed. Also check your coop if it’s older than five years to make sure there aren’t any gaps or parts that need repairing. Holes can be easily fixed and covered with plywood. The vent still needs to function correctly, but all other holes should be closed to keep the warm air inside.
  8. Shield against frostbite: Cover your chickens who have large combs and wattles with petroleum jelly as an extra precaution against the cold air & frostbite.

FAQ

Should I open the windows in the coop before heating?

Windows can be closed or covered to keep the rain and drafty wind off your chickens. It’s important not to completely cut off the ventilation around the roof line of the coop.
Maintain air flow to avoid ammonia build up. Mesh vents can stay open or even partially open during winter.

Some chicken farmers prefer to close off windows at night to keep the cold air off chickens as they roost, and then open them again during the day.

When do I normally have to start heating my chicken coop?

Birds tend to be hardy, but winter is cold! Watch for the drop in temperature, and especially look out for frost & snow. Frostbite can occur at any temperature below freezing, at 32°F or less. Hens usually slow down the egg making process when the coop temperature drops below 55°F.
If they’re exposed to prolonger low temperatures their egg production might be smaller or fewer. Laying can decrease even faster if chickens are in below freezing temperatures for long periods. Once the temperature is below 0°F you may get no more eggs. Heat your coop before the temperature reaches 55°F to keep your hens healthy and in production.

Our verdict

We hope our best chicken coop heater reviews have helped you decide which one to purchase. If you’re still unsure, we suggest you first consider our Editor’s Choice, Cozy Products CL Safe Chicken Coop Heater, because it provides the warmth your chickens need without overheating. It’s a small and safe chicken coop heater. With two heat settings you can easily regulate the temperature using your fingertips.

By picking the Brinsea EcoGlow Brooder for Chicks or Ducklings, you’ll benefit from getting value for money with this best value chicken coop heater. Not only is it extremely energy efficient, but its height is adjustable. It can hold up to 20 chicks and is an excellent low cost option.

If your purse strings are tight then the BYB Infrared Lamp Bulb is our budget pick for you. It’s a small but affordable and effective lamp with a long lasting bulb. This product is also a fantastic brooder and grow light for your baby birds.

We hope that with our selection of the best chicken coop heaters you’ll find the perfect one for your chicken. Which one’s the best hen house heater in your opinion?

9,7
Total Score
Cozy Products CL Safe Chicken Coop Heater - Editor's Choice
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