Infrared Heating Panels

Ceramic Heat Emitter used with a light bulb type socket and reflector

Capable of heating a small nesting box, or an entire building. Since the panels do not emit light, (which is undesirable because light disturbs the animal's day/night cycle) the standard panels come with an indicator lamp to show it is in operation. They emit a gentle infrared wave and are perfect for climbing reptiles and birds since these animals can move toward and away from the panel and select their desired heat by simply positioning their bodies. Typically the panel does not have to cover the entire cage if you put the perch near the panel, and point the perch towards the panel (perpendicular and close to the panel, as long as the bird cannot touch the panel) so the bird can position itself where it is most comfortable.  An animal in an open 68°F room will be about 99°F at 4" away from a panel.  They can be painted with flat water base paint to suit any decor or to hide any soiled areas.  Zoos love the panel because it is easy to hide in an exhibit, doesn't need replacement and requires no maintenance.  Infrared heat effectively warms the air in an enclosure and heats an animal's body directly to improve circulation and is beneficial to animals with rheumatic and respiratory conditions. Shown below wall mounted and with optional cage-mounting hardware. They can also be suspended.

Cage Mounting Hardware

For safety and best performance, please read the following instructions carefully.

Tips
Module should be positioned beyond the reach of your bird usually 3"-5" away from the cage. The perch should be positioned toward the module. This wav your bird can move toward or away from the module, depending on it's heating needs. Even at close distances. your bird is safe from burns. Modules may be mounted safely against wood, plaster, dry wall, plastic, or similar surfaces. There is no heat behind the module.

Wall Mounting with screws
Use the threaded expansion sleeve and screws in your kit for dry wall applications.  First. hold the module against the wall at desired position.  Place a small screw driver through a pre-made hole in the module frame and mark the wall. Mark the remaining holes. be careful not to move the module while marking the wall. Remove the module. and use the screwdriver, or 1/8" drill bit to drill holes into the dry wall at the places you have marked on the wall. Tap one expansion sleeve into each hole until it is flush with the wall. Place the module against the wall with the holes in the module frame aligned with the expansion sleeves. Screw the four screws with washers through the module. into the expansion sleeves. until they are tight. Do not over tighten. If you have a wood wall. simply screw the module to the wall using the supplied screws. and don't bother with the expansion sleeves.

Cage Mounting (optional kit)
Place one washer on a long bolt, and feed bolt with washer through the metal cage bars. with the bolt pointing outside the cage. Place another washer on to the bolt. then screw on a wing nut. and tighten to cage. Screw on a second wing nut approximately to the center of the bolt. only this time with the wing nut facing away from the cage. Place another washer on to the bolt against the wing nut. Repeat the above procedure for the second bolt. etc.. make sure all bolts align with the holes in the module. Now. place the module on the bolts. Place a washer on each bolt. against the module. then place the wing nuts on the bolts and tighten. The assembly allows you to adjust the distance of the module from the cage. Once adjusted (See Tips) ends of protruding bolts may be cut off if so desired.

Cautions
Never allow the face of the module to lay against a flat surface. This will overheat the module and could cause damage to module and/or property, and void the warranty. If you drape your cage with a cloth when using cage mounts, you may drape the entire cage, including behind the panel. When using a wall mounted panel. only drape three sides of the cage. Never place cloth over the face of the module. Do not use synthetic (plastic) material, such as rayon, etc., to cover the cage.

Never allow your bird to chew on the panel. This could damage the panel and void the warranty. Never allow the panel to get wet To clean lightly mist as described below:

Cleaning
To disinfect, lightly spray with a mixture of bleach and water, or other cage disinfectant. Use a sponge to remove excess. Do not over mist. Module can be painted with good quality flat water base paint to suit decor. or if it ever becomes soiled.

HEAT GRADIENT INFORMATION

Below are some general guidelines for heating cages, however temperatures will vary with different conditions, such as the room's temperature, air movement, cage design, an other environmental condition's. Always observe your animal, that is the best way to tell if it is to hot or cold.

Below are temperatures accomplished in a room, in a home with no drafts, using the panel overhead. Lesser temperatures will be achieved in colder rooms, and slightly less when using the panel sideways.

Always try to create a good heat gradient (many choices of temperatures) as described below.

REPTILES:
When using the panel it should be the proper size, then it will not over heat the enclosure. A reptile should have branches going up to the panel so it can get close for high heat. Use the above information to determine the closest point for your animal. The reptile will move toward the panel for high heat, downward on the branches to bask, and farther down to cool off. Ground dwelling reptiles should have something to climb on to allow them to get closer to the panel when they desire more heat. Reptiles should also be able to move away from the panel to cool down more if they desire. In most cases, the panel should be mounted toward one side of the cage, not in the center. This will create a cooler area on the far side of the cage.

BIRDS:
When using the Panel overhead: Use varying perch heights, approximately 3" apart (like a step ladder), to create a good heat gradient. Start with the closest perch positioned so the bird's head is 6 "-7" away from the panel.

When using the Panel sideways: Allow the bird to walk toward and away from the panel on it's perch. Place the panel just beyond the bird's reach.

When using cage mounts: To trap some extra heat on a very cold day, you may drape cloth over the entire cage including the panel. DO NOT place any cloth in front of the panel.

Wall mounted: To trap some extra heat on a very cold day, the top and three sides of the cage can be covered. DO NOT place any cloth in front of the panel.

CAUTIONS:
NEVER ALLOW THE PANEL TO LAY FACE DOWN ON A FLAT SOLID SURFACE. This could overheat it and void the warranty. Laying the panel over screen or wire is acceptable but allow at least 1/4" clearance from the panel. To prop it up, use some wood or metal placed under the panel frame only.

NEVER ALLOW A BIRD TO CHEW ON THE PANEL. This could damage it and void the warranty

DO NOT ALLOW WATER TO ENTER BETWEEN THE FRAME AND PANEL FACE. This could cause damage to the heat element and void the warranty. Always lightly mist panel to clean, be gentle.

Note: HEAT MAY CAUSE THE PANEL FACE TO BROWN AFTER TIME. It is the polyurethane coating. It will not affect use. Simply paint the panel face with flat water base paint and the panel will look new again.