I live in NH
I have an 8x4 coop that is 7 feet tall down to 6 feet tall because of the slanted roof.
Its insulated with shingled roof and we provided 2x4's to roost on. I have 12 of my own birds that are ranging in age from 12 weeks up to 23 weeks.
My breeds I have-3 guineas, 2 polish, 2 bantam cochin, 3 silkies, 1 showgirl, and two silkie mixes.
Two of the above silkies (just 12 weeks old), I just got from my cousin who kept them in his basement until they came to me. It was warmer I am sure than the temps right now.
I feel like they have not gotten a chance to acclimate to this weather which its 45 F High during the day and down to 28 at nite.
The last two nights - I gave them no heater. Now its around 28 and I felt bad so I went out and set up a heat lamp just for them.
First of all- are my chicken breeds winter hardy without heat lamps?
Second- did I do the right thing having a heat lamp set up for the young 12 week old silkies that are new?
I know they are packed in there tightly but they have access to free ranging during the day but they have kept it with their body heat in the low 40's tonight with all that body heat in a small space.
Some one give me some guidence as I am a new chicken owner. Dont want them sick on me.
thanks,
Amanda
I have an 8x4 coop that is 7 feet tall down to 6 feet tall because of the slanted roof.
Its insulated with shingled roof and we provided 2x4's to roost on. I have 12 of my own birds that are ranging in age from 12 weeks up to 23 weeks.
My breeds I have-3 guineas, 2 polish, 2 bantam cochin, 3 silkies, 1 showgirl, and two silkie mixes.
Two of the above silkies (just 12 weeks old), I just got from my cousin who kept them in his basement until they came to me. It was warmer I am sure than the temps right now.
I feel like they have not gotten a chance to acclimate to this weather which its 45 F High during the day and down to 28 at nite.
The last two nights - I gave them no heater. Now its around 28 and I felt bad so I went out and set up a heat lamp just for them.
First of all- are my chicken breeds winter hardy without heat lamps?
Second- did I do the right thing having a heat lamp set up for the young 12 week old silkies that are new?
I know they are packed in there tightly but they have access to free ranging during the day but they have kept it with their body heat in the low 40's tonight with all that body heat in a small space.
Some one give me some guidence as I am a new chicken owner. Dont want them sick on me.
thanks,
Amanda