1.We have 1 rooster and 4 hens (4 RIRs and 1 Buff Orpington) in an 8*10 shed/coop, with a 1*6 roost (so they can sit while sleeping).
Adjacent to the roost, on the floor, is is a wooden elevated platform, and under it is mounted a 150 ceramic heater, 12 volts (made for cars) and powered from the outside by wires from a computer power supply. I am not concerned about shorts (though the wiring is hidden) as the power supply automatically would shut down. And about 150 watts is the most I source from that supply, and I have not seen any auto heaters any more powerful (due to 15A fuse ratngs on most car auxiliaries).
There is a small vent at the far end for ventilation (and it does have a window (when neded).
My question is, with temps dropping toward teens and single digits, and the heater providing only 2-3 temp increase during cold weather, is whether this is sufficient - or whether i should be concerned at all - as there are no noticed drafts inside when the door is closed at night.
At what temp should I consider bringing them into a side building for the evening (in cat carriers!).
2. And now for #2. Roger. An australorpe cock who arrived gentle and turned mean, who resides in a pen adjacent to the others. In an endtable. It is big enough for him to move around inside and even crow. It is not heated, but at night I close the door, but leave about a quarter inch for breathing/ventilation. Would his body heat be enough to keep him warm in what is esesentially a thick wooden box.
I am not concerned about running 120vac into that pen, like a heating pad, or electric blanket to cover the box at night (and be removed when I let him out).
Any suggestions here appreciated!
We are new to chickens
(Our first post...)
Adjacent to the roost, on the floor, is is a wooden elevated platform, and under it is mounted a 150 ceramic heater, 12 volts (made for cars) and powered from the outside by wires from a computer power supply. I am not concerned about shorts (though the wiring is hidden) as the power supply automatically would shut down. And about 150 watts is the most I source from that supply, and I have not seen any auto heaters any more powerful (due to 15A fuse ratngs on most car auxiliaries).
There is a small vent at the far end for ventilation (and it does have a window (when neded).
My question is, with temps dropping toward teens and single digits, and the heater providing only 2-3 temp increase during cold weather, is whether this is sufficient - or whether i should be concerned at all - as there are no noticed drafts inside when the door is closed at night.
At what temp should I consider bringing them into a side building for the evening (in cat carriers!).
2. And now for #2. Roger. An australorpe cock who arrived gentle and turned mean, who resides in a pen adjacent to the others. In an endtable. It is big enough for him to move around inside and even crow. It is not heated, but at night I close the door, but leave about a quarter inch for breathing/ventilation. Would his body heat be enough to keep him warm in what is esesentially a thick wooden box.
I am not concerned about running 120vac into that pen, like a heating pad, or electric blanket to cover the box at night (and be removed when I let him out).
Any suggestions here appreciated!
We are new to chickens

(Our first post...)
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