Heated waterer

[Chickslady]

Hi all,
I have a 6x8 coop including nesting boxes. I free range without a run. ( that’s a project for next year) Am I asking for trouble if I use a heated waterer base inside the coop? Will it add too much moisture and cause frostbite. My ventilation currently is a large open window covered loosely with plastic to prevent drafts. ( another project for next year, more vents) Any info appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[CluckerFamily]

I have a heated waterer base in my coop for the winter.

 

[GC-Raptor]

If you use an open waterer with a heated base inside coop you'll need adequate ventilation or frostbite is inevitable in sub freezing temps.
I have plenty of ventilation on wall opposite of roosts.

This hen lived through 4 winters with temps as low as -15 F in this coop with a heated waterer before I did a complete remodeling by hanging the nest boxes outside the coop.

She is 4+ years old in this photo. GC

 

[Chickslady]

If you use an open waterer with a heated base inside coop you'll need adequate ventilation or frostbite is inevitable in sub freezing temps.
I have plenty of ventilation on wall opposite of roosts.View attachment 2420341View attachment 2420369View attachment 2420342View attachment 2420345
This hen lived through 4 winters with temps as low as -15 F in this coop with a heated waterer before I did a complete remodeling by hanging the nest boxes outside the coop.View attachment 2420359
She is 4+ years old in this photo. GC

Thanks that was very helpful. I’m hoping leaving the one window I have open will be enough for this year. My coop seems dry. The bedding is dry . And at first I closed it all up and windows frosted up on the inside . Haven’t had an issue since I opened it about 3-4 inches. My thermometer continues to read 70- 90 percent humidity even when I have the coop completely opened up. With plenty of ventilation! I’m definitely adding vents next year high above roosts. The window is roosts high but they roost approx. five feet from the window. Fingers crossed I’ll get through this. The chickens will probably be fine! Lol

 

[aart]

My thermometer continues to read 70- 90 percent humidity even when I have the coop completely opened up. With plenty of ventilation!

What's the humidity outside the coop?

 

[Chickslady]

What's the humidity outside the coop?

It was 59 percent outside when I posted this. Maybe I need a better thermometer but the temp is accurate.

 

[Folly's place]

Your goal is to have the inside and ambient humidity read the same, so whatever the number on your current gadget, it should be consistent both inside and outside.
I've just been going by 'feel' and probably should actually get a dual thermometer and humidistat myself. Maybe next trip to TSC?!
Mary

 

[aart]

Your goal is to have the inside and ambient humidity read the same, so whatever the number on your current gadget, it should be consistent both inside and outside.

Yes, this^^

 

[Chickslady]

Your goal is to have the inside and ambient humidity read the same, so whatever the number on your current gadget, it should be consistent both inside and outside.
I've just been going by 'feel' and probably should actually get a dual thermometer and humidistat myself. Maybe next trip to TSC?!
Mary

Thank you, I’m thinking keeping my waterer inside the coop may be the problem but on very cold days they tend to stay inside.. I’ll try keeping it right outside there coop door. Maybe that’ll work. I just purchased a heated base.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I just purchased a heated base.

I’ll try keeping it right outside there coop door.

My heated base says for indoor use.

GC