Are they done?

[HeritageGoose13]

The light is used to make them lay eggs, not to change the temperature.

 

[John Roth]

No they are actually heat lamps.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Personally I think heat lamps are good for two things, brooding chicks, and burning down building, seen it enough here in Wisconsin where everyone thinks their animals need heat because they do. Just my opinion.

 

[John Roth]

What do you suggest I use?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Nothing, why do you think we use down feathers in our own clothing to stay warm. Provide a draft free but ventilated coop, access to sunshine, good food, proper roost so they cover their feet well, warm drinking water a few times a day, outside on some hay when it is nice, inside with something to peck at like hay again when it is nasty, the only trouble I have is some roosters get frostbite on their combs, but it doesn't kill them, I think not letting birds acclimate to the weather by heating them will weaken them and leave them dependant on that heat source.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

No they are actually heat lamps.

Oh. In that case, I think its a waste of money- and dangerous, as oldhenlikesdogs points out. Good chickens can handle the climate you live in. Get a breed that suits your area.

 

[John Roth]

I'm not just gunna get rid of my birds. So I guess I'll start to lean towards winter hardy birds in the future. Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

I lost interest in sex-links and production reds, and don't have Mediterranian breeds with big combs either. For cold weather, and hopefully better longevity, other types make more sense to me. Chanteclers, Sussex, Australorps, Easter Eggers, Wyandottes, Marans, for example. So many choices, so little room! Medium to larger birds with smaller combs, in general. You will get fewer eggs per day per bird, but a longer laying cycle, and all those beautiful colors, in eggs and birds. Mary

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yep, I like the big girls too, leave the light breeds to those in the south, but I have a few now and again and they manage winters fine

 

[John Roth]

I do have plenty of EEs and EE X Barred Rocks!