Lamb warming box

[CharAimee]

My dad has recently made me a warning box but we are struggling with the temperature of it. We had it at around 30oC but the metal grid got too hot to touch. Does anyone know what is the ideal temperature in the box?

 

[Paddington]

Think I set mine about 35C, but it has a plastic grid underneath. Have you got a separate thermostat or are you relying on a fan heater setting ? Is the heater cutting out or running all the time ?

 

[CharAimee]

Thank you for your reply. No we are just relying on a fan heater but it does cut out when it gets to temperature. I think we will have to replace the metal for something else. It's just in the ones you buy they have metal grids & cant see how they would work unless they aren't meant to be that hot.

 

[Downton_shep]

Have you got a thermometer inside the box? Wouldn't the heater only cut out when air going in the heater is up to temp??

 

[CharAimee]

We put a thermometer in when setting the heater so it is a steady temperature of 35 but the metal is too hot to touch. We can't see much of a difference between ours and the bought ones other than the thermostat but I can't see that making much of a difference to the heat of the metal.

 

[Downton_shep]

No the metal shouldn't get that hot. How far under is the heater? I find it doesn't need to be right under. About six inches away.

 

[neilo]

I have an ancient Shearwell box, with a metal floor. I have never managed to rig up any form of reliable thermometer, as the temp is different all over the box (your blowing hot air in at speed). I do a bit of trial and error with the distance the fan heater is from the box, with usually just the very edge of it against the side of the box. Fan heater size also makes a difference. Last time I replaced it, I got one with a high & low setting, so as to avoid cooking lambs.

 

[Paddington]

To avoid having to check the inhabitants of the heater box all night in a freezing barn, you could bring it in to the house and pop it down in front of the woodburner.....


Still got the stains on the fireside rug from last year.

 

[CharAimee]

The heater is right under the box, going to have a play about with it today and raise the grid up higher. Thanks for all your help. Will let you know how it goes!

 

[johnspeehs]

Just put a square of plywood directly above the heater attached to the bottom of the mesh if that makes sense, the heat will still come round nearer the edges of the box, hope this makes sense

 

[Baldrick]

We researched lamb warmer boxes when making The Frisky Lamb Warmer, http://www.pyonproducts.com/lamb-warmer.php. the temp. around the lamb should be about 41 deg. C, slightly above body temp. This is the temp. recommended by NADIS www.nadis.org.uk/2986 That would not make the metal grid too hot to touch. You need to monitor the temp in all areas of the box to make sure it's not too hot. 1kw fan heater with the lid open should be fine. 2kw is too much.