Heat Lamps for Reliable Animal Care & Husbandry

Finding dependable heat lamps for young, vulnerable or recovering animals starts with choosing equipment suited to your housing, livestock and heating requirements. Our carefully selected Heat Lamps & Bulbs provide practical supplementary warmth for lambs, calves, piglets, poultry and other livestock when temperatures fall or additional localised heat is required. From infrared bulbs to robust lamp holders and heating equipment, the range is chosen for reliable everyday animal husbandry. Shop with confidence from a specialist British equestrian retailer, with quality products for professional yards, farms and smallholdings alongside our wider Animal Husbandry collection.

Choosing the Right Heat Lamps

The correct heat source depends on the species, age of the animal, housing conditions and area you need to warm. Rather than choosing solely by wattage, consider how the lamp will be installed and whether you need visible infrared light or a non-light-emitting heat source.

• Wattage: Higher wattage does not automatically mean a better choice. Select an output appropriate for the housing, ambient temperature and distance between the heat source and animal.
• Bulb type: Infrared heat bulbs provide targeted radiant warmth, while compatible ceramic or dull emitters produce heat without visible light. This can be useful where maintaining normal periods of light and darkness is important.
• Fittings: Always check the bulb base, maximum wattage and lamp-holder compatibility. Some livestock heat lamps use E27 fittings, but specifications vary between products.
• Positioning: Install equipment securely and follow the manufacturer's stated mounting distances. Animals must be able to move away from the heated area so they can regulate their own exposure.
• Housing: Keep hot components suitably guarded and positioned away from bedding and other combustible materials. Heat lamps should be inspected regularly for damage, loose fittings and deterioration.

For wider livestock management, explore Animal Treatment, Bandages & Dressings, Skin & Wound Treatments, Dosing & Vaccination, Needles and Syringes. We also stock equipment for Breeding & Heat Detection and Castration, helping you keep essential husbandry supplies together.

Technical Specifications and Care

Check the rated voltage, wattage, bulb fitting and maximum permitted output of the lamp holder before installation. For example, some agricultural infrared lamps use an E27 base, while ceramic emitters require heat-resistant fittings designed for their operating temperature. Never assume that a holder suitable for a glass infrared bulb is automatically suitable for every ceramic emitter.

Heat output at animal level is affected by more than the wattage printed on the bulb. Mounting height, reflector design, draughts, ambient temperature and the size of the heated area all influence the warmth the animal receives. Observe livestock behaviour and follow the product manufacturer's instructions rather than positioning a lamp by wattage alone.

Pro tip: Before lambing, calving or brooding begins, check lamp guards, chains, cables, plugs and holders for signs of wear or damage. Carrying out these checks in advance helps ensure your heat lamps are ready when supplementary warmth is needed. Store spare Heat Lamps & Bulbs in a dry, protected location, and keep a suitable replacement bulb, such as the Agrihealth Infrared Heat Bulb, close at hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wattage heat lamp do I need for livestock?

The appropriate wattage depends on the animal, ambient temperature, housing, mounting height and lamp design. Check the manufacturer's recommendations and ensure animals can move away from the heated zone if they become too warm.

Are infrared heat lamps suitable for lambs and calves?

Infrared heat lamps can provide supplementary localised warmth for young livestock when correctly selected and installed. Always use a suitable guarded fitting, follow mounting instructions and monitor the animals rather than relying on the lamp alone.

What is the difference between an infrared bulb and a ceramic heat emitter?

Infrared filament bulbs produce radiant heat and visible light. Ceramic or dull emitters can provide infrared heat without visible light and generally heat up and cool down more slowly. Always confirm that the emitter is compatible with your lamp holder.