120 V freeze protection?

Timco

Should be simple, but nothing comes to mind. I have a chicken coup with a small electric heater in it. My power bill was $75 more than usual because of it. I just need it to run and keep the coup at 40*, but even on low since I sealed all thge gaps, it gets to 65-74* in there. Any ideas to keep it at 40*? Their water is in there and I like to keep them above freezing at night even though they do not need it. Maybe an AC swamp cooler t-stat? (they do not go down to 40* though)

Tim

Larry (from OSHA)

maybe this would work

http://www.airwater.biz/white-rodgers_thermostats_1a65-641_2561_prd1.htm

if you can keep them from turning it up!

Larry

Timco

Since they never do what I say, I would need to buy a guard for it. Also, it only comes in white, and I am sure they would rather have almond to match the 'natural wood grain interior'. (plywood)

If no other quick ideas (something I can find on the shelf today) comes up, this is perfect. Thanks! It was warmer in the coup than in my own house this morning since I sealed up the gaps!

Tim

Wayne_16

Kerosene heater thermostat

Would a thermostat used for kerosene heaters ie (the old knipco's) work? Should be able to pick one up at hd or farm type store.

Thanks, Wayne

Mark Custis

$75.00 per month for eggs

sounds a bit high.

Timco

First the wife, now you?

That is exactly why I am here...

Tim

Mark Custis

radiant chicken coop

with a domestic tank.

LOL

fuel is fuel.

eggs are fuel too.

Timco

Maybe a wood burner converted to a poo burner? Plenty of that! The neighbors could just dump their dog poo in a hopper or something...Just imagine the aroma...

Tim

Mark Custis

poo burner

Mother Earth News has some stuff on free ranging chickens this month

hot_rod

most all line voltage t-stats

run down to 40F. I have a Honeywell T498, or the less expensive 410A.

White rogers 1A10 runs down to 36F, a few other choices in the Johnstone Supply catalog. Or a farm supply water dish warmer.

Go to DI and get a small electric single burner and set the water dish on it.

hr

radiconnection

Son, you need more chickens!! Chickens give off BTUs, and they will heat the henhouse for free!!

james k

chickens

As long as it's not too cold,just use a heater to keep the water from freezing.Also if you insulate with foam,you may have to cover to keep them from eating it.

Timco

I know they do not need the heat, but I think they lay better with heat in the coup. Besides the water, I don't want the eggs to freeze...I will visit Johnstone tomorrow. Thanks for the advise!

Tim