Cold Weather and Chickens

[brookswatson]

I have recently moved to Montana and would like to keep some chickens. I am wondering if there are chicken breeds that tolerate cold weather better? Also, does anyone have good ideas on how to heat a small coop efficiently?

 

[wamtazlady]

Do not heat the coop. It's not needed. I have had chickens in Montana for several years. The coop is not heated. What you do need is ventilation. A warm chicken is a dry chicken. Chickens make a lot of moisture in a coop between pooping and breathing. You need lots of ventilation up high to get that moisture out of the coop. Plan for about 1 square foot of ventilation per chicken. I have a covered run. Food, and especially water is kept in the run. Even at -22 the girls are outside in the run rather than in the coop. Sides of run are covered with clear shower curtains to prevent wind getting on the birds. Let me add that every winter we have people writing into the forums whose coops have burned down due to heating the coop with heat lamps.

You say small coop. How small is small? Each bird will need 4 square feet of area. A 4 by 4 coop is good for only 4 birds. The best roosts are 2 by 4's with the wide side up. That way the chickens can sit on their own feet and keep them warm at night.

For winter water get a tote with lid. My tote holds about 10 gallons. Buy some horizontal nipples, not the vertical ones you can buy at the feed store. You can find horizontal nipples on ebay. Put the horizontal nipples near the bottom of the tote. Get a stock tank deicer that is okay to use in plastic. Make a small hole at the top of the tote to allow the electric cord to go through it. Put the lid on. You are set. My waterer only needs filled once a week or so and has kept the water thawed to -22.

For breeds I have or have had Cochins, Jersey Giants, Wyandottes, Salmon Faverolles, Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and New Hampshire. They have all done well in the cold. I'd avoid the bantams as many don't do well in the cold.

Welcome to the forums. I'm in Kalispell, Montana.

 

[brookswatson]

I have recently moved to Montana and would like to keep some chickens. I am wondering if there are chicken breeds that tolerate cold weather better? Also, does anyone have good ideas on how to heat a small coop efficiently?

 

[Mrs. K]

Excellent advice up above! Take it to heart! Do not worry about warm, think dry!

 

[RWise]

Yep chickens handle cold much netter than hot!

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Welcome!!
I found this calculator most helpful. And I agree with above. Proper ventilation to get the moisture out, you won't need a heater.
https://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx

 

[TheFluffyButtHut]

Excellent! Thank you! I live in Havre- good to know about heat!