Heating the coop....

[tlabatte]

Hi all,

New to the forum as I am new to raising Chickens. I have 4 hens (2 Rhode Islands, 1 Barred Rock, and 1 Golden Sex Link). They are about 9-10 weeks old. I moved them into the coop about a month ago which is 4x4x4 for the house and sits up about 40" from the ground and is uninsulated plywood construction. Since I moved them in there, I have had a heat lamp running all the time in fear they will get too cold. I live in the Portland, OR area and the lows have hit the high 30s to high 40s for the overall low.

1) When do I stop worrying about the use of the heat lamp?

2) Is there a temp sensor product out there that will turn on the heat lamp after a certain temperature is crossed?

3) What temperature should I turn on the Heat lamp?

 

[spottedtail]

Those temps are a long ways from causing discomfort for your hens.

Here in MN we see 20 below zero several times a winter.
Still, no heat is required. Keep them positively draft free, but with good ventilation. Just uninsulated double walls is fine.

Chickens are pretty cold tolerant.
Giving un-needed heat probably ruins their natural hardiness. What if this hardiness has been compromised by the heat lamp and then the electricity goes out? Trouble!
Being killed by kindness might be my biggest fear if I was your hen.

Good luck,
spot

 

[NS2A]

Just make sure you keep their water unfrozen and you'll be fine!

 

[tlabatte]

Thanks for the input. I have since turned off the light and they seem to have survived the last two nights. Although my barred Rock, who is still peeping, gave me quite a bite when I let them out this morning. She is a tough bugger.