bridgette217
In the Brooder
- Sep 23, 2015
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I have a very small coop, 4 chickens, and a kennel run for them. What do I need to do to prepare for winter? Heat lamp? How much light? Etc...just not sure where to start.
What to do during winter
- Thread starter bridgette217
- Start date
I'm on Long Island and last winter was my first winter with my first 4 chickens. My coop isn't that large either but also not to small. I did not add heat or light to mine. My husband put plastic around the pen and made a heater for their water ( outside of coop) so it doesn't freeze. My girls did fine all winter and it was a cold one!
Welcome!
You don't say where you are, so I will assume you get cold, snowy winters?
As long as your coop is dry, draft free and well ventilated, they will not need any extra heat. Many folks here live in Alaska or Canada and do not heat the coop. Heat lamps cause fire and roast chickens...
As for your run - if you can keep an area pretty much cleared of snow, throw down some straw or such on the ground, they will likely venture out for fresh air.
There is a very good article in the learning center about keeping chickens in winter - it will help you out lots, good luck
As long as your coop is dry, draft free and well ventilated, they will not need any extra heat. Many folks here live in Alaska or Canada and do not heat the coop. Heat lamps cause fire and roast chickens...
As for your run - if you can keep an area pretty much cleared of snow, throw down some straw or such on the ground, they will likely venture out for fresh air.
There is a very good article in the learning center about keeping chickens in winter - it will help you out lots, good luck
- Thread starter
- #4
bridgette217
In the Brooder
- Sep 23, 2015
- 17
- 0
- 22
Iowa
Iowa gets chilly - but I'm sure they'll do just fine. The above suggestion of covering the run is a good idea. If you are worried about their water freezing, use a heated dog bowl - make sure they can't peck at the cable tho'.
"very small coop" makes me think you're going to have moisture issues. You'll need a good amount of ventilation to keep the coop dry....dry is far, far more important than warm. Cold chickens just fluff out and go about their business. Damp and cold chickens are at risk for frostbite and illness.
Can you post a pic of your set up?
Can you post a pic of your set up?
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