Extension cord out to coop, pros and cons

[Cobber]

We finally got our coop and run sort of figured out. However I am a big weeny and would like to employ a radiant heater and heated water bowl.
The coop is about 50 feet from the house. Is an extension cord doable?

 

[BoundlessLove]

I would not put a radiant heater in the coop.
What breed of chickens do you keep and what age/s are they?

 

[Cobber]

They’re Plymouth Rock bantams, they’ll be 5-6 months old by wintertime.
If/when it gets frigid we’ll house them in the garage.
This is our first experience with chickens, so lots of learning going on.

 

[BoundlessLove]

Where are you located?
Chickens usually will be fine in cold weather without a heat source.

 

[Bsmac]

If you are set on having a little heat the cord should be a 12 gauge cord for that distance to be on the safe side. If you feel you need or want heat the cozy panel heaters work well. Not meant to heat the coop just to help from frostbite. Proper ventilation usually takes care of that issue. Keep drafts from blowing in at or near their roosting heigth. Otherwise your birds should be fine

 

[StinkyAcres]

How cold does it actually get there? It's likely they will not need the heater. I would not recommend a heater in that coop - it's much too small and the chickens wouldn't be able to get out of the heat if they wanted to. They may also not acclimate well to the cold with a heater on them all night so may not be able to tolerate being outside during the winter which they need, especially with a coop that small.

Also, the heated waterer must be placed outdoors or in an area with ample ventilation because they create a lot of steam that will collect on the walls, ceiling, and your chickens' combs and wattles and freeze.

Do you get snow? If so, raise the extension cord off the ground. I attached mine to fence posts with removable plant ties.

 

[Cobber]

Where are you located?
Chickens usually will be fine in cold weather without a heat source.

Tippecanoe County, Indiana, about 150 miles south of Chicago.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Tippecanoe County, Indiana, about 150 miles south of Chicago.

Since they are not silkies or frizzles they should be fine without a heater. Lack of ventilation will be a bigger issue.

 

[Penpal]

Please add your location in the box.

I'm in Michigan's thumb and I don't add heat. If you do decide to run an electric cord, make sure it is for outdoor use. Don't lay it on the ground, have it raised, as Stinky Acres has done. You could run it along that wooden fence.

The chickens won't need water in front of them at all times. When you check on them bring fresh water. They will also eat snow.

 

[Folly's place]

I agree, no heat needed, and definitely more ventilation! Having the waterer unfrozen is wonderful, although having it outside is the only way you can do it, because of that tiny closed in coop.
A 12g outdoor rated extension cord, raised off the ground, and in a up-to-code outdoor outlet, will be fine. Make sure the water dish or waterer is also rated for outdoor use!
This arrangement doesn't look safe from a predator protection standpoint either...
mary