Greetings from the Wicked Chicken Farm 10/19/2015

[Johnny311]

Hello I am Johnny, I live in upstate NY and brand new to the chicken world! My crazy daughter brought home 6 chickens from tractor supply and I have been following this site since they were chicks back in March.

I am worried for their first winter and would like feedback on how to properly take care of our girls.

I made a make-shift coop from an old shed, and scrap wood. It has a heat lamp with running electricity to it, is that enough to make it through a hard NY winter?

I know about venting, and keeping it clean, just concerned and wish for more insight.

THANK YOU on behalf of the wicked chickens who make deviled eggs!

 

[N F C]

You can check with the other members in NY to see how they deal with your winters:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/231485/ny-chicken-lover

Since your chickens are now about 7 months old, I wouldn't think they would need supplemental heat. Chickens do better in the cold than they do in the heat...those feathers are a great insulator. And with the risk of fire, it's just not worth keeping a heat lamp going all night.

If you haven't done so already, the Learning Center is a great place to find helpful articles on all types of topics.

Thanks for joining us, it's nice to have you here!

 

[Peep-Chicken]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

 

[tdepointe]

Welcome to BYC!

I agree with NorthFLChick, on the risk with heat lamps. I live in northeast CT and I do not heat the coop or use supplemental lighting. The concern is with drafts and proper ventilation. If the humidity rises in the coop in the cold weather the chikens can get frost bite on their feet and combs.

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC!

I agree with NorthFLChick, on the risk with heat lamps. I live in northeast CT and I do not heat the coop or use supplemental lighting. The concern is with drafts and proper ventilation. If the humidity rises in the coop in the cold weather the chikens can get frost bite on their feet and combs.

Good to point that out!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

You might also check out the coops section to see what a coop needs inside to meet the needs of the birds.

 

[7littlegirls]

Hi!

Welcome to BYC! I'm from Long Island NY and do not add heat to my coop. My chickens were fine last year and it was a cold one.

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

 

[Frindizzle]

Welcome to BYC!