Heat lamp -yay or nay

[SpazzWhoElse]

Hi everyone - I get it, you're rolling your eyes and smacking your foreheads, but don't shoot me just yet lol So.. you'd never believe the changes I've made - or you might cause.. flocks of a feather Anyhow - there's now 10 ladies and a bigger coop.. twice- cause you know, the first two builds needed an addition in my eyes -(it'll pair as my she shed Sorry- anyhow - we got a heat lamp and it looks like a haunted house - now I'm all for keeping them comfy, obviously - but is it really necessary? I don't think I'll sleep much this winter cause I'm petrified of fire - cause - well - been there done that - Thanks for your input!

 

[pibb]

Well I'm in TN and I don't use any heat lamp for my chickens.

 

[SpazzWhoElse]

I unplugged it

 

[blackdog043]

When I lived in SE PA I never used heat in the coop. Also there are plenty of people on here that go into the negative temps and don't use heat. You will have to keep your water from freezing though.

 

[PetesChicks]

I wouldn’t use a heat lamp, they need ventilation more than heat. Make sure there aren’t any drafts, though, especially on their roosts. Remember, they are wearing down jackets, they will be fine in the cold. Like @blackdog043 said, you will need a heated waterer unless you want to change their water several times a day. I have always used a heated dog bowl, https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/farm-innovators-round-heated-pet-bowl-6-qt?cm_vc=-10005
but this year I think I’m going to switch to a new one. Either DIY or one of these

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/farm-innovators-heated-poultry-fount

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...y-waterer-heated-25-gal-gray-60w?cm_vc=-10005

Looking at the reviews, I’m thinking I’ll get the K-H. I still need to do some research.

 

[cmfarm]

It can cause quite the debate if they need heat or not. I am in central Texas so we really don't get very cold. But some people think they need it. And heat lamps can be dangerous if you are not carful.

 

[aart]

I unplugged it

Remove it, so you aren't tempted to plug it back in.

there's now 10 ladies and a bigger coop

Let's see the coop...please.

Got good ventilation..... and plans for keeping water thawed??

 

[Newfowler1]

Unplugged!

 

[wamtazlady]

I unplugged it

So glad you unplugged it. Remember this important idea. A dry chicken is a warm chicken. Dry means good ventilation to get all the moisture out of the coop. I live in NW Montana and the first winter with chickens and no heat was scary. They did great so I don't worry anymore.