Heat Lamps: When to add them

[bobbi-j]

We had - 38 degrees F last night. Temperature reading, not wind chill. No heat lamp, mine are looking fluffy and active this morning.

Don't think warm, think DRY.

Mrs K

You got us beat. I think we only got down to -29. It was -23 when we woke up this morning. It's up to -4 now, and supposed to be in the 20's tomorrow. That will feel balmy if there is no wind!

ETA - When I went out to feed and water, I found everyone fluffed up and moving around, no shivering noted. My White Giant rooster does have frostbit comb and wattles, but they are large so I am not surprised. My EE mix rooster has a rose comb and smaller wattles - no signs of frostbite on him. I did notice that my hens in the larger coop have kind of scruffy looking feathers on their backs, and after some observation saw a little feather picking going on. They are on layer feed that has 20% protein. I am going to start scrambling the eggs that freeze outside and feed them back to the birds in that coop. I don't know if protein is the problem or boredom. I scattered some BOSS in their straw today, and they were busy scratching and pecking when I left. I am going to get them some alfalfa bales soon so I can throw in a slice of that now and then.

 

[micah wotring]

Chickens shouldn't need a heat lamp in the winter as long as their coop is free of drafts. It took me forever to find the difference between drafts and well ventilated. Having a few small holes or something up neat the to of the coop above the roost is good but you don't want cold air blowing directly on your birds. Hope this helps!

MW

 

[VolailleAmant]

Chickens shouldn't need a heat lamp in the winter as long as their coop is free of drafts. It took me forever to find the difference between drafts and well ventilated. Having a few small holes or something up neat the to of the coop above the roost is good but you don't want cold air blowing directly on your birds. Hope this helps!

MW

I have a few drafts......the front window was knocked out [accidentally] am replaced with chicken wire.....Now I just want them to be warm enough. It gets pretty cold! Is it normal for them to have pinkish feet?
Thank you!
-VA

 

[micah wotring]

Quote: So, is the window very big and is it up high or down around where the chickens are? If cold air can blow in on them then yes, you need to cover it before winter. Even if you just use a temporary tarp or trash/feed bag. Then they should be fine. Ventilation IS important though because if it gets too wet in there(and believe me, without good ventilation, with poop, water, and the chickens themselves IT WILL) your chicken's combs are libel to get frostbite.

Roosters will get pinkish feet, sometimes streaks, when they are upset or exited. As for the hens, they may be going through a molt(or getting ready to). Pink feet shouldn't be a problem. I wouldn't worry about it.

Now, I'm definitely no expert on any of this. I'm just a teenager who's had chickens for maybe 5 or 6 years. I have done a ton of research on chickens though and read extensively on many topics including winterizing chickens. I'm here both to learn and help but just so you know I might be very wrong(and if I am please tell me).

Hopefully this helps!

 

[ejcrist]

I have a few drafts......the front window was knocked out [accidentally] am replaced with chicken wire.....Now I just want them to be warm enough. It gets pretty cold! Is it normal for them to have pinkish feet?
Thank you!
-VA

Just curious but how cold is "cold." Are you talking about below zero cold or in the 20's? Also what kind of birds do you have? Are they Mediterranean breeds or English/American? Also how old are your birds?

As a general rule birds over about 6-8 weeks old (fully feathered) in the lower 48 shouldn't need supplemental heat. Birds with large combs are susceptible to frostbite if you have prolonged temperatures below freezing but that can be avoided by protecting their comb with vaseline. I'd be more concerned with keeping their water from freezing so they don't get dehydrated.

 

[VolailleAmant]

Just curious but how cold is "cold." Are you talking about below zero cold or in the 20's? Also what kind of birds do you have? Are they Mediterranean breeds or English/American? Also how old are your birds?

As a general rule birds over about 6-8 weeks old (fully feathered) in the lower 48 shouldn't need supplemental heat. Birds with large combs are susceptible to frostbite if you have prolonged temperatures below freezing but that can be avoided by protecting their comb with vaseline. I'd be more concerned with keeping their water from freezing so they don't get dehydrated.

Okay, I am sorry about that misunderstanding! It is about......Well, early teens. And the wind chills make it feel really cold.
I have Isa Browns, Pekin ducks, and my favorite.....Silkies. My Silkies are about 7 1/2 months, and my Isies are 2?
I usually refill the waterers throughout the day, because it freezes
Ha, okay, this might sound a bit OCD, but I like the glow of infrared lights, and the heat it brings (don't get me wrong....I don't sleep out there!) So I might just add the lights at night.
It drops like 5-10* at night in Michigan.
bunch!
Thank you a bunch.
-VA

 

[VolailleAmant]

So, is the window very big and is it up high or down around where the chickens are? If cold air can blow in on them then yes, you need to cover it before winter. Even if you just use a temporary tarp or trash/feed bag. Then they should be fine. Ventilation IS important though because if it gets too wet in there(and believe me, without good ventilation, with poop, water, and the chickens themselves IT WILL) your chicken's combs are libel to get frostbite.

Roosters will get pinkish feet, sometimes streaks, when they are upset or exited. As for the hens, they may be going through a molt(or getting ready to). Pink feet shouldn't be a problem. I wouldn't worry about it.

Now, I'm definitely no expert on any of this. I'm just a teenager who's had chickens for maybe 5 or 6 years. I have done a ton of research on chickens though and read extensively on many topics including winterizing chickens. I'm here both to learn and help but just so you know I might be very wrong(and if I am please tell me).

Hopefully this helps!

I don't have roosters-except for my Silkies. A picture of the front of the coop is included
Do you think it is too late for the hens to go though a molt? They say the end of Summer......
Thank you, I am more thankful to someone who isn't all proud that they have a mind full of knowledge of chickens. As the Amish say: Do your best and leave God the rest. Eh? It fits with everything!
Anyway, totally off-subject, but you got your devotion for the day! Lol.

Pink feet: That's one less task to worry about. Thanks.
-VA

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Personally I would not add heat. If you must then don't use infrared. Use a modest heat source and one that does not radiate heat like infrared. What ever is in line of infrared will overheat. You don't want to use that kind of heat source at all, you'll cook the birds under it if not start a fire.

Don't get confused by wind chill. It's often used to show how harsh it is outside but your chickens are not roosting outside. They are in a coop. That coop should not have major drafts therefore no wind.

 

[VolailleAmant]

Personally I would not add heat. If you must then don't use infrared. Use a modest heat source and one that does not radiate heat like infrared. What ever is in line of infrared will overheat. You don't want to use that kind of heat source at all, you'll cook the birds under it if not start a fire.

Don't get confused by wind chill. It's often used to show how harsh it is outside but your chickens are not roosting outside. They are in a coop. That coop should not have major drafts therefore no wind.

Okay, I have heard adding more straw etc. would help.......Yay or Nay?

 

[micah wotring]

Quote: Ah, ok.
To be honest I'm not sure.

XD me too! I agree BUT there IS a ditch on both sides of the road(so to speak):

Good, Better, Best, Never let it rest,
'till your good is your better and your better is your best.


Man, I'm sure glad God's with me! I sure as heck ain't good enough to lead this life.
Haha, I'm getting off subject too.


Ya, sure!
MW