At what temperature do chickens need heat?

[Griggs9]

Hi all!

This is our first winter with our backyard flock up in Vermont. We are approaching a cold front with temperatures at -25°. Because of the cold temperatures I do have a small radiant coop heater from tractor supply store in with them at night however they Are out in a runner most of the day. At what temperature would you consider the chickens to need a heater? And if you do not believe the heater is necessary for the temperatures we experience is it possible to wean them from needing the heat? Thanks!

 

[Brooks_]

Will days be above 0?

Well ventilated and draft free should not need heat for fully feathered and acclimated to the cold birds. Yes, you can re-acclimate them to the cold. Wait for a second opinion from someone with experience with your climate.

 

[Griggs9]

Will days be above 0?

Well ventilated and draft free should not need heat for fully feathered and acclimated to the cold birds. Yes, you can re-acclimate them to the cold. Wait for a second opinion from someone with experience with your climate.

Thanks! We will have a few days around -5.

 

[Brooks_]

Thanks! We will have a few days around -5.

Had you said above 0, I would say they would be fine. Wait for the opinion(s) of some cold weather people. All in all, I do think they will be fine.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Where my mom lives it gets super cold and she never provides supplemental heat. She is the only person I know who has insulated coops though.

 

[aart]

Hi all!

This is our first winter with our backyard flock up in Vermont. We are approaching a cold front with temperatures at -25°. Because of the cold temperatures I do have a small radiant coop heater from tractor supply store in with them at night however they Are out in a runner most of the day. At what temperature would you consider the chickens to need a heater? And if you do not believe the heater is necessary for the temperatures we experience is it possible to wean them from needing the heat? Thanks!

If they have the choice between the run and the warmer coop, then let them decide.

Would help to know and see what this set up is like, some pics maybe?
Where is the heater in the coop?
Do you have a thermometer in the coop, how warm does this heater make it in there?
Is the run completely open to wind and precipitation,
or does it have and roof and wind blocks?