Hi! we tragically had a fire in our chicken coop last winter. We have a new flock that we have had in a temporary coop while my husband builds a new coop that is just about ready for our girls to move in. We live in New England and my husband thinks we should get a heater for the coop for really cold days but I am hesitant. Of course I want to keep the flock from freezing on really cold days but the thought of putting a heater is so scary. I have ready a bunch of reviews and even though the have an overall high rating, there are many that lost their flock to a fire or smoke inhalation. Can you please comment on what, if anything you use to keep your girls warm on exceptionally cold days? thank you in advance!
Chicken coop heater?
- Thread starter kkgall
- Start date
_-Captain BRM-_
Post Tenebras Lux.
- Feb 1, 2021
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How cold does it get?
Hi and welcome to BYC 
We're so happy you've decided to join us
The key to avoid frostbite is ventilation. You want about 1 square foot per bird. Their roost should be draft free. Many who live in colder climates than you do not use heat.
We're so happy you've decided to join usThe key to avoid frostbite is ventilation. You want about 1 square foot per bird. Their roost should be draft free. Many who live in colder climates than you do not use heat.
Welcome to BYC!
If you can keep the chickens dry, they can keep themselves warm. Even down to zero degrees F and below, they shouldn't need supplemental heat.
The key, as @rjohns39 mentioned, is adequate ventilation, up above the birds' heads when they're on the roost. Avoid drafts strong enough to ruffle their feathers, and they can keep themselves warm. They are wearing down jackets.
If you can keep the chickens dry, they can keep themselves warm. Even down to zero degrees F and below, they shouldn't need supplemental heat.
The key, as @rjohns39 mentioned, is adequate ventilation, up above the birds' heads when they're on the roost. Avoid drafts strong enough to ruffle their feathers, and they can keep themselves warm. They are wearing down jackets.
Hello, and welcome to BYC. Kept dry, well fed and in a well ventilated coop poultry do not need supplemental heat. In addition to possible fire the possibility of a power outage affecting 'heated' birds exists.
- Aug 26, 2019
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Hello and welcome to BYC! No heater is needed. As long as they are kept dry and have a well ventilated, draft-free coop - they will stay warm enough. They wear tiny down parkas every day. No need for extra heat.
Hello and welcome to BYC
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