Heater

[PoppaDoug]

I'm new to chickens, have 5. One is a yr+old, rest are April 2019 babies. I did buy a radiant heater (purchased at Tractor Supply on sale 29.95, regular 39.95) as we get to -0 frequently through the winter. Putting a sensor by the roosts, so I can monitor the temp of the tractor in my house. This heater is awesome. We just use the low setting as when it gets cold/windy. Which raises the temp 20 degrees, never used the high setting yet. We have a nice tractor, The hutch is not big but definitely a great size for 5 large girls, we also have the underside which is enclosed & what we call the breezeway which I wrapped in plastic to keep the air from going through. My egg production is good. I don't add light, using natural light through windows. I know I'm spoiling them, but I just can't think of them as livestock they're my girls.

 

[cavemanrich]

It is good that you are not over-warming your hens. I keep my hens over winter in their winter housing, inside garage loft. I have a few Seramas, which are not as cold hardy as the rest of my flock. I only provide some heat during extreme cold, and then try not to create anything much above freezing temps. Their water is in heated containers.
My chickens are well feathered and do not need anything above 32*F
I know that many here on BYC will say, that adding heat is not necessary. Everyone is free to make their choice, to specifically their circumstances.
Peeps with cold hardy breeds choose their ways, and Myself with non-cold hardy breeds choose to have Live chickens VS Freeze Dried.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

 

[aart]

I'm new to chickens, have 5. One is a yr+old, rest are April 2019 babies. I did buy a radiant heater (purchased at Tractor Supply on sale 29.95, regular 39.95) as we get to -0 frequently through the winter. Putting a sensor by the roosts, so I can monitor the temp of the tractor in my house. This heater is awesome. We just use the low setting as when it gets cold/windy. Which raises the temp 20 degrees, never used the high setting yet. We have a nice tractor, The hutch is not big but definitely a great size for 5 large girls, we also have the underside which is enclosed & what we call the breezeway which I wrapped in plastic to keep the air from going through. My egg production is good. I don't add light, using natural light through windows. I know I'm spoiling them, but I just can't think of them as livestock they're my girls.

Sounds pretty good!
Would love to see some pics of your coop, inside and out.

Welcome to BYC! @PoppaDoug
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