Best Way to Heat? at 60 below zero!

[Sunshine Flock]

I used vet wrap over my heat tape, cheap and easy!

What is heat tape?

 

[Valoradia]

Deep litter method is a good way to add a little warmth, and have nice composted material for the garden in spring. Think smaller when it comes to coops , as far as sleeping area. Chickens metabolism is very high. Their hearts beat 200 plus beats a minute. With body temps over 104 degrees F. Each hen gives off about the same amount of heat as a 10 watt bulb .

 

[ChickenCanoe]

What is heat tape?

Heat tape is what is similar to heat cable used to wrap water pipes to keep them from freezing. There's a cord you can plug into a 110V or 220V outlet and a trace of resistance wire inside the tape that heats up. There are a few types and dramatically difference wattages per square inch. Heat cable is also used to prevent water draining into roof guttering from freezing and causing a dam.
https://oemheaters.com/topic/heating-tape
There is also another product called flex watt heat tape used in terrariums. I've used it in incubators.
http://www.reptilebasics.com/heat-tape

 

[Fairview01]

Do you have other large livestock - cows, goats etc? If it were me I would look at communal living for everyone. The body heat generated from all keeps all warm. In that environment I would not duplicate efforts in different housings. I would just throw them all together, shut the door and walk away letting them learn how to get along with each other.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I like that idea but caution that all those disparate animals will put off a lot of humidity so ventilation will be all the more important.

 

[Fairview01]

I like that idea but caution that all those disparate animals will put off a lot of humidity so ventilation will be all the more important.

Yup. If you look at true Amish barns they were built true board and batten style. The edges of 2 boards were set no further away than half the width of the board. A third board was set on the inside framework centered over the gap. This allowed for maximum ventilation with no drafts. Also made perfect places for hornets to build their nests.

 

[Alaskan]

When we are talking -20F and colder, ventilation is no longer that much of an issue. Yeah, it still matters... but you do not want as much venting as you would at warmer temps.

 

[ShiftyShickens]

living that far north I've heard of people switching to sand for bedding since that significantly reduces the chances of fire, about half a foot of sand is also very easy on upkeep as well

 

[Alaskan]

Sand can be a problem in the cold though, I think it is better in warm climates.

Just when I tried sand...any moisture and it turned into concrete.

Also, it sure is cold.

 

[ShiftyShickens]

if someone wanted to go all out you could in addition to the sand, provide a tiny wood stove. even if properly installed though i would still put a cage enclosed around it and the stack thru the roof to keep the girls away.

i agree, in such cold areas while using sand in an unheated coop. any condensation makes the sand a real bear the put up with, and if you have a water fowl up? hello sandstone floors.
personally, i use straw except in the outer hutches where sand always saves the day.

it's a tad bit nippy down here but could never even shake a stick at Alaska
stay warm!