Heaters for Coop

[Choco Maran]

Hi everybody: My husband and I have been discussing the idea of putting a heater in the coop during the winter months. We are not sure what kind to use. My question is what kind have you folks used, or what would you recommand. Thank You. I will chicks of about 6 months old in the coop. Are weather can get pretty cold average temp is around mid 30's to lower 50's but we have knw to get down in the single digits and even in the negtives.

 

[Kevin565]

What does your coop look like? What materials did you use?

 

[mkcolls]

We are in Ohio with low winter temps in the single digits. The only "heaters" that we use are chickens. They tolerate the cold much better than the summer heat. The breeds that you have listed will do well in your winter temps.

Make sure that your coop is ventilated well, but free of drafts.

 

[Choco Maran]

It is 12 X12 all wood

 

[Fred's Hens]

Chickens come from Mother Nature with a thick down coat. Most of the hardy, popular breeds were developed and kept in the upper midwest, Canada and New England centuries ago.

The attempt to so button up a coop in winter as to try to hold in heat is unwise. The coop fills with the birds expired air, which is moist, and their poop, which is also moist. Cold air cannot hold as much water vapor as warm air can. Thus, the stale, ammonia gassed, humid air needs to escape out an upper vent path. Dry is much more important than the temperature. Chickens are not sissies. At least the standard breeds aren't. LOL

 

[Choco Maran]

OKay Thanks guys and gals I guess we will for go the heater. I do keep a light on so that should be fine Fred's hens brings up a lot of good points I had not thought of.

 

[karlamaria]

I insulated my coop very well, and we have a big ventilation cap on the top. it has done well to keep the girls comfortable in the winter. we do not do the deep litter method, i clean my coop every two weeks and i like it this way. we get down to extremes here, 30 below at times, my coop is so well insulated that there all comfortable. of course I wrap there pen up so no snow or rain gets in either. there go out or in all day at there own leisure . never had a frozen comb or waddle.

 

[Nicole01]

I use a radiator heater and I love it! I use it for me to hang with my gang.

I keep it on the lowest setting.