Heat Lamp vs. Heat Mats: Choosing the Right Warmth for Your Swine

Newborn piglets require warmth for optimal growth and survival. Farmers typically use heat lamps or heat mats, both having advantages and disadvantages that influence choice based on preference and barn setup.

This blog compares heat lamps and heat mats, focusing on safety, efficiency, and piglet well-being.

Heat Lamps: The Traditional Method

Heat lamps are a classic solution that many farmers have relied on for decades. Typically mounted above the creep area, a heat lamp provides radiant heat that piglets can move into or away from as they self-regulate their temperature. 

Advantages of using heat lamps:

Flexible and quick

Heat lamps are easy to install and reposition for new litters or pen layouts. You can hang a Brooder Lamp with Switch over a fresh litter and immediately “aim” for warmth where newborns need it most during the first 48–72 hours.

Adjustable

If the pigs prefer a specific space, lamps are easy to angle and easy to fix the height. Adjustable bulb lamps make it easy to tweak height and angle without fighting hardware. Pairing either fixture with a durable bulb, like the Once Heat Bulb, reduces mid-turn changes and helps you keep a consistent heat profile.

Safety reminders:

Keep in mind that lamps with unprotected bulbs, improper mounting, or those placed too close to piglet bedding can cause burns or pose a fire risk. Guards and chains are necessary to keep your barn and animals safe. Keep the area under the lamp dry and clear of bedding, and start around 18 to 24 inches from piglet level, adjusting based on behavior. Always power through a GFCI and avoid overloaded circuits.

Heat Mats: The Modern Method

Heat mats are a safer, modern solution many farmers use. Instead of heating the air, a mat provides an even, stable surface temperature that encourages piglets to lie down and conserve energy.

Advantages of using heat mats

Sustainable

Farmers looking for a more sustainable option can use mats, which can cut power draw while maintaining comfort. Products like the Kane Baby Pig Heat Mat offers a lightweight, non-slip surface that stands up to wash-downs between turns.

Consistent heat source

Heat mats distribute heat uniformly across the pad, which is a great choice if your barn struggles with cold corners. 

Coverage for large litters

Larger mats create a big warm zone so all of your piglets can find it without cramming space.

Portable for smaller litters

Compact options for smaller groups can be activated by simply plugging them in.

Using Both Methods Simultaneously

If you want to use both during the first 48 to 72 hours, a hybrid approach is often a good choice, since piglet behavior can change quickly in the first few days. For large litters, run a heat mat to create a baseline warm bed and add a lamp to jump-start warmth immediately after farrowing.

As the piglets grow, taper the lamp off and let the mat and controller carry the load. Some farmers use both at critical moments such as day one to minimize chill.

Heating Sources from Farmer Boy

When it comes to keeping your piglets warm, there isn’t a right answer as both provide excellent jobs for the task. However, we do recommend using both for the first 72 hours if your rooms are colder than normal or have a big litter. 

To set up efficient heating for your piglets, call Farmer Boy 1-800-845-3374 to shop our recommended solutions.