Heat

[Rick589]

Good Morning. I know that you don’t need to heat the chicken coop BUT every time I go out to check on the chickens with temperatures being cold I feel guilty. So, I’m curious if anyone supplies heat to their coops so they don’t feel as though they’re abusing the chickens. Silly notion I suppose but I’m just maybe too soft hearted.

 

[Apis mellifera]

It's up to you. I have a breed that doesn't need heat even in single digit temps in a well built coop. Chickens with giant combs or with a thinner layer of feathers, it won't hurt to keep a drafty, damp coop above freezing.

 

[Rick589]

It's up to you. I have a breed that doesn't need heat even in single digit temps in a well built coop. Chickens with giant combs or with a thinner layer of feathers, it won't hurt to keep a drafty, damp coop above freezing.

Yeah, We have BO’s. I suppose I’m a victim of what I need as opposed to what the chickens need.

 

[lagrange chicks]

I feel the guilt also. When the chickens were young I ran 2 100' extension cords to add a little heat to the coop with a ceramic reptile heater for maybe 2 weeks and that added over $30 to the electric bill. I got that stink eye look from my wife when the bill showed up.

 

[Rick589]

I feel the guilt also. When the chickens were young I ran 2 100' extension cords to add a little heat to the coop with a ceramic reptile heater for maybe 2 weeks and that added over $30 to the electric bill. I got that stink eye look from my wife when the bill showed up.

I have a hard time seeing them as egg laying machines only, I see the more like pets with benefits. I wouldn’t have guessed the additional cost would be that high but then again you are up north. So, the wife and the electric bill won?

 

[Apis mellifera]

Yeah, We have BO’s. I suppose I’m a victim of what I need as opposed to what the chickens need.

Great breed. As long as they are high and dry and can get out of the wind, they're good.

 

[Rick589]

Great breed. As long as they are high and dry and can get out of the wind, they're good.

That is my understanding. They are high,dry, and out of the wind( run can get breezy though). Sooo, that brings me back to what I need versus what they need. When we started this venture we never expected a relationship with chickens to be so complicated……for us not the chickens.

 

[TooCheep]

That is my understanding. They are high,dry, and out of the wind( run can get breezy though). Sooo, that brings me back to what I need versus what they need. When we started this venture we never expected a relationship with chickens to be so complicated……for us not the chickens.

Your BOs have a nice warm down coat. They'll be fine. Breezy in the run isn't a major problem if they have a place to get out of it when they want. That said, I put up plastic sheeting around 3 sides in the winter and leave only one side away from the wind open for plenty of ventilation.