Any way to heat a coop in the winter via solar power

[mcmommy]

We just finished our coop and have two Black Australorps. The coop is not near any electrical outlet and I am wondering if there are any solar options for keeping a bit more light and heat during the winter! Thanks for your help. Amy

 

[Captain Awesome]

Here you go!

http://www.mrsolar.com/page/MSOS/PROD/remote/RPS-170

Seems a bit expensive for chickens though! I would put in a skylight for daytime hours and not worry too much about them getting too cold in the winter. Just give them plenty of nice warm bedding!

 

[dacjohns]

Chickens do very well without heat as long as the coop is ventilated. Using solar to generate electricity for heat is too expensive. Passive solar would be better if you feel you need heat and don't have electricity.

If you want lighting and don't want to use a flashlight then you could go with solar panels to generate electricity for lighting but it is still expensive.

 

[SteveBaz]

How old are the kids?

Where do you live?

Is it colder than 10 you don't need heat if the box is solid with no drafts running through it. I should clarify that the high vents would still be open so the brooder can vent. If you birds are fully feathered and have been outside in the coop for the last few weeks they are ready for the entire winter.

 

[darin367]

no need for heat...... i've heard of people using those cheapy solar walkway lights....

 

[mcmommy]

Thanks all ~ I guess to clarify ~ I had a volunteer help me build the coop (it is at a mission) since I am not a builder. We had opague roofing material but not enough so the builder built a more traditioanl roof over the hen house. The girls are about 6-7 months and had not started laying yet. I am worried that I have screwed this up but not having a sunlight of some sort. Really want the kids served by the mission to learn about the whole life cycle. I do have good ventiallation and draft protectin tho...

 

[cva34]

I too believe they don't need heat.That's all relative.If your up north and its in the single digiets or below -0 .They probably would apreciate it! If you really need heat consider Propane ,people use it in brooders a lot.Find a old kerosene lantern or 2(they still make them new) if its a small area it will do it.Just BEWARE if you never been around thoses the wick is the KEY (adjusted low flame to med.there great) if you get wick too high it will SMOKE like crazy.Hang (with wire in middle of area) a foot or so above floor.that way they can bump it and it will not turn over.Propane will work too .BEWARE of the FIRE HAZZard with all the above.When I was Kid we brooded all out chicks with kerosene lantern...cva34

 

[oneofseven]

The stores are always selling solar lights for lawns and driveways. Not too expensive either.

 

[dacjohns]

Propane is a relatively inexpensive way to heat but it puts out a lot of water vapor. Ventilation becomes even more important when using propane.


You might find keeping drinking water unfrozen more important than keeping the henhouse heated.

Do you photos of your setup? Posting photos can give us a better idea of what you have and maybe make some suggestions.

 

[ECBW]

South-facing window is the best passive solar option. Skylight may allow too much sun in the summer.