Coop Heating for the Panicking Southerner

[CorinneK]

I live in a very hot part of the Southern US, so I have never had to worry about winter heating for my coop. This week however, we have a record freeze coming (5 degrees!! I have never seen temperatures that low in my entire life). It is supposed to be cold and icy for the next week. I have no experience with this and I am freaking out. My coop is extremely well ventilated, which is great for 100 degree summers, but now I am worried the draft will freeze my chickens. I have a brooder heat lamp I could run out there on an extension cord, but I don't know if the fire hazard is too risky. I would love some advice from some folks who have some experience with these kinds of temperatures.

 

[want2know]

I live in a very hot part of the Southern US, so I have never had to worry about winter heating for my coop. This week however, we have a record freeze coming (5 degrees!! I have never seen temperatures that low in my entire life). It is supposed to be cold and icy for the next week. I have no experience with this and I am freaking out. My coop is extremely well ventilated, which is great for 100 degree summers, but now I am worried the draft will freeze my chickens. I have a brooder heat lamp I could run out there on an extension cord, but I don't know if the fire hazard is too risky. I would love some advice from some folks who have some experience with these kinds of temperatures.

I want to know the same - I am just outside San Antonio.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I personally would block the wall that your wind direction comes from.
It is -20°F this week without counting windchill, and I don’t heat my coop at this temperature.

 

[CorinneK]

Wow, really? That will definitely be doable, I can just tarp up the outside of the coop. Appreciate the advice!

 

[Rldad1]

Wow, really? That will definitely be doable, I can just tarp up the outside of the coop. Appreciate the advice!

Just remember to leave enough ventilation at the top.

 

[3KillerBs]

Wind protection that doesn't compromise the ventilation and liquid water is all they really need.

Remember, they're wearing built-in down parkas.

 

[Fintechie]

I live in cold weather. Yes we don’t provide heating nor board up the coop. Make sure the wind wouldn’t blow onto the chickens anyway. But also we intentionally selected hardy breed to raise. I suggest you to take a look online to see how cold your chickens can take? And be aware of frostbite etc if they aren’t.

 

[huntersmoon]

Another Texan (Austin) coming to find out the same thing! Thanks for the info!