Heating in mild weather

[ChickenGirl555]

We only use our heat lamp if it's below 10 degrees, never at 50* or 60*. Our adult chickens love that kind of weather

What climate do you have? Are they non-cold hardy breeds? Otherwise I don't think you should give them that much heat at that temperature. We have 10F-30F everyday here during winter. We had -15F one day, we didn't give them any heat, they were happy and healthy the whole time. Chickens don't really need heat until -25F, but then again it depends on breeds.

 

[RodNTN]

What climate do you have? Are they non-cold hardy breeds? Otherwise I don't think you should give them that much heat at that temperature. We have 10F-30F everyday here during winter. We had -15F one day, we didn't give them any heat, they were happy and healthy the whole time. Chickens don't really need heat until -25F, but then again it depends on breeds.

I have 30+ chickens, and a very large coop. Some are cold hardy, and some aren't. We have Ayam Cemanis, and our AC's are NOT cold hardy. They have very thin feathers, and I just don't want to watch them while they're miserable.

We don't heat if it is above 20 degrees, but if it is below we prefer to. Just our preference We have never had any ill effects from doing so these past 5 years

 

[BantyChooks]

x2 all the others. I never put heat on my birds.

 

[aart]

It gets to 90-105 degrees in peak summer here. Im probably going to have a kiddie pool with cold water or something for them to cool down in.

Can you build your coop in some deep shade?
Get some Save-A-Chik electrolytes to have on hand.

Here's some threads about dealing with hot weather:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/20711382/?q=hot+weather&t=post&o=relevance&c[title_only]=1

Adding your location can be a big help when asking questions,
easy to do so it show up under you avatar, then it's always there:

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I actually have a question about this. What is "hot" to the chickens? At what temperature should I be worried about their health?

 

[aart]

I actually have a question about this. What is "hot" to the chickens? At what temperature should I be worried about their health?

There's no hard number...can depend on the bird...and the humidity...and the environment you have them living in. If they have deep shade all day and good airflow they will be less bothered by the heat.
You have to go by their behavior to watch for heat stroke... panting and wing lifting is OK, extreme lethargy and disorientation require immediate attention.
Read some of the threads I linked above to learn more.

 

[Threewyandottes]

My coop will have ventilation and will be kept in a shaded area.

Thanks