Heat in coop...2 Q's

[anniem]

Thanks all, sounds like we'll be fine as is.
These neighbors have had chickens for some years but as I talk to them about it more i'm realizing how little they know, and just how many chickens they've gone thru, yikes!
I will definitely be skipping them for chicken related questions and coming straight here!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

You shouldn't need any heat in your coop. It sounds like you might not even need to heat your water. For times when water does freeze for you, you can either keep a spare waterer or bowl that you change out for the frozen one. Those black rubber, flexible livestock bowls in a small size are easy to knock ice out of before refilling, too.

 

[rooster0209]

My chickens survived this past winter here in ND with no heat. There were several weeks of below 0 temps. I didnt have any frostbite on the combs or frozen toes. I take extra precautions, like wide roosts to protect the feet and deep straw on the coop floor. The birds were very glad to have the coop opened so they could venture outdoors after being locked up for a few months. (at those temps...no one needs to be outside)

 

[Hozer]

I have a 250 watt heat lamp suspended above their roost 2x4's. It's on 24/7. Also, a heater base for their waterer. That's all they get up here and they lay all winter. Now that it is warmer (mid 30's) most of them roost outside in their run. I will unplug their heat lamp soon.

I know your weather is much milder...I just had to add my 2 cents. I guess my point is...they really don't need much, just a little heat lamp for the cold nights. I ran an extension cord...no big deal.