I’m in Northern NY in the foothills of the Adirondacks we get cold. I have Silkies and serama I don’t use heat for 2 reasons 1) risk of fire, no matter how well it’s secured chicken coops are full of dust, lose feathers and bedding getting kicked around and 2) if the power goes out they are not acclimated to the cold and will die in the sudden temperature drop. I did buy a cozy coop heat panel last winter for the seramas but they never used it so I took it out, they snuggled in with the Silkies. I give them quality feed, limit treats so I know they are getting the quality nutrients, give them deep, clean and dry bedding and their coop has lots of fresh air with no drafts blowing on them. I watch closely for any signs of stress so I can intervene if needed. I have yet to have anyone get stressed from the cold, no frostbite or die.
That coop is small I would never but a heat lamp in there, the chances of it getting knocked into or having dust, bedding or feathers kicked around is worrisome. If you want to do heat I would go with one of the radiant heat panels like cozy coop or sweeter heater and only use it to take the edge off on the most bitter nights so they can acclimate. Remember when thinking about temperatures windchill isn’t a factor because the coop will be draft free. We get -30 degrees with windchill but my coop is around zero. I too have been a nervous nelly and have learned to watch my chickens their behavior tells me they are fine. Besides they have that wonderful thick down coat Mother Nature gave them.
That coop is small I would never but a heat lamp in there, the chances of it getting knocked into or having dust, bedding or feathers kicked around is worrisome. If you want to do heat I would go with one of the radiant heat panels like cozy coop or sweeter heater and only use it to take the edge off on the most bitter nights so they can acclimate. Remember when thinking about temperatures windchill isn’t a factor because the coop will be draft free. We get -30 degrees with windchill but my coop is around zero. I too have been a nervous nelly and have learned to watch my chickens their behavior tells me they are fine. Besides they have that wonderful thick down coat Mother Nature gave them.
