Do we need a heat lamp for the North Carolina winter?

[lorrir]

I use a regular light bulb in one of those silver cone thinga maga jiggies from lowes. Keeps the waterer from freezing and keeps production up in the winter.

 

[CloggingChicken]

This is our first winter with chickens and I have electric wired to the coop, just in case extra heat is needed. We had about 4 days last year that the temp was down to -25F over night, with the day temps around 10-20. We actually had 2 liter bottles and cans of soda pop the plastic and unfold the crimps of the cans. Plastic bags were used to insulate the walls as we assembled our coop. I know the Triangle doesn't get as cold, but think that most everyone north of Middle Georgia should insulate the coop for peace of mind. There are as many opinions of what to do as people. Do what makes you comfortable and doesn't endanger anyone.

Good luck.

 

[cackilacky]

If you keep a regular light on, do you have it on all night every night? Just curious.

I like the idea of adding more insulation to the hen house.

Thanks!

 

[possumqueen]

Extra insulation = no lights needed.

But make sure the insulation is where the chickens can't get to it. They will eat styrofoam like it's candy! No one seems to know why.

 

[LynneP]

What possumqueen said.

We're insulated and get some damp and bitter winters. I do have a 250 watt bulb come on from 5 am- 8 am for the layers and it puts out a little heat, but during the fierce winter of 2008-2009 with chill factors at -40C for almost two weeks, my hens were fine. Electric dog bowl waterer was a blessing then I can tell you!

Some thoughts on winter care, not that you will experience what you may see in this file-


https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=7693-seasonal-concerns