With winter approaching...

some of the US members may have an interest in these heat panels.

http://www.avitec.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=IHP&CartID=0

Very interesting.
I probably wouldn't have use for them, but some sure might.

Thanks for posting the link, Charis.

I've been thinking about getting something like that. I had found this site recently Chicken Coop Heating Solutions

I used a ceramic heating bulb last winter and wasn't completely happy with it. And of course my biggest worry is fire. I didn't like that dust and shavings would settle on the bulb plus the clamp lamp the bulb fits into wouldn't attach securely. This panel heater looks safe Flat Panel Coop Heater what do you think?

They are made by this company http://www.eco-heater.com/

Jenaka wrote:

I've been thinking about getting something like that. I had found this site recently Chicken Coop Heating Solutions

I used a ceramic heating bulb last winter and wasn't completely happy with it.
And of course my biggest worry is fire.
I didn't like that dust and shavings would settle on the bulb plus the clamp lamp the bulb fits into wouldn't attach securely. This panel heater looks safe Flat Panel Coop Heater what do you think?

They are made by this company http://www.eco-heater.com/

That's probably something a lot of people don't think about.
for the reminder, Jen.

as well for posting the additional links.

Those are great but pricey

I use heat lights on thermostats, have 2 in each loft over seperate perches.

I haven't had a problem with dander or dust on the bulb, I do make sure that I wipe the bulbs every week, they hang well out of the reach of the birds.

They are pricey and it would be too much to put them in outside lofts. Not too bad for someone that only has one or a couple of inside birds and likes to keep the furnace set really low. It would be very benificial for an older arthritic bird.

Matilda wrote:

They are pricey and it would be too much to put them in outside lofts. Not too bad for someone that only has one or a couple of inside birds and likes to keep the furnace set really low.

It would be very benificial for an older arthritic bird.

Good point.

I'm using radiant panels for my birds and they are cheap ($ 30 in SA), economic (400W a piece) and safe for birds (baby can perch on them without danger of burning feats). On the other side they do terrific job without drying the air in the room. One panel is enough for room 3x3 m (10’x10’) keeps 18 degree Celsius inside on –4 Celsius outside.

http://www.econo-heat.com/topten.html

Thank you plamenh...I wish it was available in the US.

Matilda wrote:

They are pricey and it would be too much to put them in outside lofts. Not too bad for someone that only has one or a couple of inside birds and likes to keep the furnace set really low. It would be very benificial for an older arthritic bird.

Very true They could work in our hospital room.

They are or something similar
http://www.nextag.com/Small-Appliances--zzradiant+panel+heatingz2700444zB6z5---html

Thank you.

While we are still on heating theme just to share some of my experience.
I bought infrared light bulb – 35W for the babies. It wasn’t working well. It was to weak to provide any heat. I did replace it with 150W and that one was fine.
Small heating pad 35W does not provide enough heat 75W is much better.
Heating element combined with light dimmer or thermostat and UPS (uninterruptible power supply) works miracles.

plamenh wrote:

I'm using radiant panels for my birds and they are cheap ($ 30 in SA), economic (400W a piece) and safe for birds (baby can perch on them without danger of burning feats). On the other side they do terrific job without drying the air in the room. One panel is enough for room 3x3 m (10’x10’) keeps 18 degree Celsius inside on –4 Celsius outside.

http://www.econo-heat.com/topten.html

Those sound great, plamenh.

Thanks for the links plamenh. I found this one Panel Heater which is much more reasonable price. Do you think this is powerful enough for a 7'x7' loft? I don't expect it to get really warm, just need it to keep the water from freezing. And I guess there's no worry about any fumes?

The lamp I used last year is like this one clamp lamp with a 250 watt bulb. The clamp kept slipping and it took up some space.

Jenaka wrote:

Thanks for the links plamenh. I found this one Panel Heater which is much more reasonable price. Do you think this is powerful enough for a 7'x7' loft? I don't expect it to get really warm, just need it to keep the water from freezing. And I guess there's no worry about any fumes?

The lamp I used last year is like this one clamp lamp with a 250 watt bulb. The clamp kept slipping and it took up some space.

If you just don't want the water to freeze why don't you use a heated water bowl?

I've used them before & they work except the birds love to take bathes in the warm water at least when using the open dog bowls.

EgypSwiftLady wrote:

Jenaka wrote:

Thanks for the links plamenh. I found this one Panel Heater which is much more reasonable price. Do you think this is powerful enough for a 7'x7' loft? I don't expect it to get really warm, just need it to keep the water from freezing. And I guess there's no worry about any fumes?

The lamp I used last year is like this one clamp lamp with a 250 watt bulb. The clamp kept slipping and it took up some space.

If you just don't want the water to freeze why don't you use a heated water bowl?

I've used them before & they work except the birds love to take bathes in the warm water at least when using the open dog bowls.

I could but I thought I might as well warm up the whole loft a bit instead of just the water bowl. That way the birds are a bit warmer too.

Depends of your loft insulation. 100 w is a bit low I guess (mine is 400W) but if your loft is well protected it will raise temperature and make difference. I bought three of these panels (just in case), and I use one only.
Because of disabled birds, I keep my loft temperature higher in the winter and I like to be in the loft more than in the house during the winter (it is more pleasant there).
I even placed plastic chair in the loft so I can sit, read and relax.

plamenh wrote:

Depends of your loft insulation. 100 w is a bit low I guess (mine is 400W) but if your loft is well protected it will raise temperature and make difference. I bought three of these panels (just in case), and I use one only.
Because of disabled birds, I keep my loft temperature higher in the winter and I like to be in the loft more than in the house during the winter (it is more pleasant there).
I even placed plastic chair in the loft so I can sit, read and relax.

plamenh since you live in Africa I was wondering what your winter temps are? I know that there is a wide variety of climates in your country.

Great question, Robin. I've wondered the same thing.

EgypSwiftLady wrote:

plamenh since you live in Africa I was wondering what your winter temps are? I know that there is a wide variety of climates in your country.

Matilda wrote:

Great question, Robin. I've wondered the same thing.

Inquiring minds want to know.
I'm curious too.

Africa! Sounds dark and hot hey?
I live 2000 m above sea level on the southern part of the continent as you may guess. It is more or less on same latitude as Dallas or roughly same as Figueira da Foz (for Teresa). Summer temperatures are between 12 (night) and 35 (day) and winter ones – 5 (night) and 6 (day). Normally wintertime is –3 to 18 degree Celsius. As you can see there is a more than 20 degree Celsius difference day/night and this makes you blood freeze. Humidity is very low and you feel cold in your bones.
The following picture is taken last winter in my driveway:

Snow in SA? Who knew?

When Celsius is at 0*, Fahrenheit is at 32*.

Here are more pictures of South Africa you never imagined



Me either before I arrived here.

Oh MY Goodness. I never associated snow with Africa. It's beautiful and looks like Pictures I have seen of Switzerland or Germany.
Where did you move from,Plamenh?