Colder days

[Mommaof384]

I live in central Illinois, still getting to be 70-80 during the day but sometimes getting into the 50s at night, when is it time to do a heat lamp for the chickens? We have 4 and they are 3 months old..and can u do u free range in the winter months? New chicken mom here

 

[rosemarythyme]

Unless you have birds that aren't suited for cold temps like Silkies and/or have sustained periods below -10 or so (real temp not wind chill) there shouldn't be a need to heat a coop. Every year folks lose coops to fires.

Some flocks have no issue free ranging in the snow, other birds may not like it and opt to stay inside for much of the time. Having ample climate protected space may help with flock harmony at those times.