heating

[maggie]

i live in mi and have a questions on useing a heat lamp in my chicken coop. how cold before turning on? and how long to leave on?

 

[Wes in Tx]

What you can do is get a Thermo Cube to plug the light into. This is a thermostatically controlled outlet the gives power to the light at a preset temp and will cut it off at a preset temp.

 

[ChrisnTiff]

Thats a good idea Wes, Is this cube adjustable to accomodate different temp ranges? I would say you would probably like it to come on right about 32f. This would keep your water from freezing in your coop if so desired. I would also make sure your light was fastened very well so as not to accidentally fall into your very flammable litter! Good luck

Chris

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

I don't think they are programmable, but you can buy ones that turn on at different temps.

http://www.thermocube.com/

 

[maggie]

I want to thank you for your reply to my question This is our first winter with the chickens and we are still learning. They are my sons pride and joy he has names for them all they were hatched 6/19/06 so you can see we are newbies we have 22 total 1 white crested black polish, 4 white leghorn,2 silver laced wyandotte, 5 ameraucana, 3 salmon faverolle, 3 jersey black giant, 3 light brahma, these are the hens and we have 1 light brahma roaster. my main concern was how cold is too cold for them? I can find stuff on the heat and how hot but not too cold. we love our chickens in the north also this is the first time i have ever posted anything on a site and i thank you for your response

 

[cindydj]

Those are cool.........I am going to get one for the chickens and horse barn....

For all you Northerners I would die! LOL! This is the first time we have had such hard freezes for this many days in a row in my part of Texas.....and this is the pits going out and breaking water every few hours....and to think lsat week I thought Spring was her,darn...

 

[Wes in Tx]

Cindy you just haven't lived around here long enough or just aren't old enough. LOL. I have seen it stay below freezing here for over a week back in the 70's and 80's.

 

[MyBackyard]

Maggie I have the same question my wiffe and I are building our chicken coop in our backyard and are wondering about heat. I have bought a heat lamp and am wiring the building myself but not sure how cold before I turn it on.

 

[cindydj]

Wes I am definately old enough to remember. I should have said it has been awhile and in those days I sure wasn't worried about taking care of animals. Those we my high school and college days...we were just talking about how when you live on a dirt road and don't have a garage and you have horses in a muddy pasture......how much difference a big rain is to you. Don't get me wrong we are VERY thankful for the rain! But I am also VERY thankful for the sunshine today....

 

[Wes in Tx]

LOL I here you on the sun shiney day. We was at the stock show in that cold butt rain all day yesterday. Should of waited until today. LOL.