does anyone heat the nest boxes?

[GinaNew York]

we have an insulated coop, but no heat and lots of windows - my concern is the eggs - should we use heating pads under the nesting material which are pads made of hay on paper that we dispose of - we would heat this in the microwave and wrap it in insulated bags and then some kind of cloth https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/k-h-manufacturing-microwavable-pet-bed-warmer?cm_vc=-10005

pros? cons? experiences? HELP!

 

[chickflick]

If you're not at home to pick up the eggs before they get frozen, you can see how that works. Hens don't lay that much during winter, but whatever works for you!

 

[Mary's Backyard Chickens]

Hm. I never do

 

[Molpet]

I know someone on here uses a electric seed mat in the nest box

 

[AlleysChicks]

I know a few of my chickens would love a toasty bum. I have 1 that has been sleeping in the nest boxes thru the day and night. I think a heated box would cause more problems than good.

 

[GinaNew York]

I suppose Im being a nervous grandmother here - with the sudden drop in temp that they haven't had a chance to get used to I'm looking to find something that make me feel better - my daughter is home during the day working so she can get the eggs

 

[GinaNew York]

I know a few of my chickens would love a toasty bum. I have 1 that has been sleeping in the nest boxes thru the day and night. I think a heated box would cause more problems than good.

that is my fear - if they want to stay in it or if its too dramatic a change when they get out of it - that's why I appreciate the opinions and advice

 

[AlleysChicks]

I suppose Im being a nervous grandmother here - with the sudden drop in temp that they haven't had a chance to get used to I'm looking to find something that make me feel better - my daughter is home during the day working so she can get the eggs

Mine handled winter fine last year. They didn’t care for the snow but no other problems.

 

[aart]

I know a few of my chickens would love a toasty bum. I have 1 that has been sleeping in the nest boxes thru the day and night.

Sounds like a broody...or sick bird.

I think a heated box would cause more problems than good.

that is my fear - if they want to stay in it or if its too dramatic a change when they get out of it - that's why I appreciate the opinions and advice

Ron P doesn't have that problem with his heated nests. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/heated-nesting-boxes-help-stop-frozen-eggs.67252/

my daughter is home during the day working so she can get the eggs

That's what I do, just gather often on those frigid days.
Heard another tip the other day that made some sense.
If you have a lot of nests close down all but a few,
birds will keep eggs from freezing as they take turns laying.

 

[AlleysChicks]

Sounds like a broody...or sick bird.



Ron P doesn't have that problem with his heated nests. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/heated-nesting-boxes-help-stop-frozen-eggs.67252/


That's what I do, just gather often on those frigid days.
Heard another tip the other day that made some sense.
If you have a lot of nests close down all but a few,
birds will keep eggs from freezing as they take turns laying.

She’s fine, I kept thinking she was trying to go broody but it’s been going on for months and she still lays eggs. Sometimes I find her on the roost at night but usually she’s in a box. Right now she’s molting and looks rough.