Heat Lamp Safety Winter weather could range anywhere from 91oF in McAllen, Texas to -71o F in Big Sky, Montana. But, no matter where you live there will be cold nights and bringing out heat lamps is a must if you have young kids on the ground - especially if your kids pens have open sides. There is no fear like hanging a heat lamp wondering if you are setting a fire hazard. The night before writing this article, my husband and I found ourselves out in the dark hanging heat lamps in the kidding pens. We went from sunny 80o F to 36o F in a 24-hour period. When hanging the lamps, I found myself telling my husband to reinforce here and there, here and there. Let's just say the heaters are secure! Here are a few of the points that I go by when hanging outdoor heat lamps. Special thanks to Jill Harvey and Destiny Curtis for sharing their photos of heat lamp styles. Photos are found on the "Photos around the ABGA" page as well. 1. Clean up cobwebs and dust if you haven't used the lamps in a few days/weeks. 2. Keep wires out of reach. Remember how much goats like to chew on cords, even if they have to reach through or over panels? 3. Double secure the lamp with tie-wire or other ties. 5. Use heat lamp cages as shown in the photo. 6. Don't put over flammable bedding, such as pine shavings. 7. Check for exposed wires.
46 - The Boer Goat
