Negative temps in uninsulated chicken coop

[chickenchicklady]

Hello friends! We have negative temperatures coming, and a couple days next week are going to be -15 with single digits of the high reaching up to 6°. We have recently built a new coop however, it is not insulated yet. Do I need to put a heat lamp or a small heater in there during those nights? The coop is secure with no Holes for wind drafts to come through and we have about 20 birds. I don’t want my little chicken friends to get too cold.

 

[deidreg]

As long as you have good ventilation, no drafts, and enough space for 20 birds, they'll be fine.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

None of our coops are insulated at it gets colder than that here

 

[50-45-1]

Insulation is unnecessary. 20 birds should create enough body heat if there is no drafts.
What size is your coop?

 

[Mtnboomer]

Nah.

 

[khind]

I agree that an adequate amount of properly- placed ventilation is more important.

 

[chickenchicklady]

Not sure the exact size of the coop, but I allowed at least 4 square/ft per bird. And we have air vents at the top of the coop that we can close off. Should I leave them open during the cold spells?

 

[3KillerBs]

Not sure the exact size of the coop, but I allowed at least 4 square/ft per bird. And we have air vents at the top of the coop that we can close off. Should I leave them open during the cold spells?

Ventilation at the top of the coop, over the birds' heads while they're on their roosts, is critical to carry moisture and ammonia up and out.

 

[abpatchy]

No, no need! Actually it would probably make them sick. They can handle the cold much better than you think.

 

[deidreg]

Not sure the exact size of the coop, but I allowed at least 4 square/ft per bird. And we have air vents at the top of the coop that we can close off. Should I leave them open during the cold spells?

Yes, it's important to keep them open. Otherwise moisture will build up and cause ice and wet chickens can't keep themselves warm. I know, it sounds counter intuitive but trust us on this one.