How cold before using a heat lamp?

[Kristania1]

This is my first little flock of chickens and I have a few questions. I live on the Central Coast of California, and our winters are pretty mild (no snow but several weeks of light frost and nights in the 20's or so). The girls are currently 10 weeks old, and I'm still leaving the heat lamp on in the coop (it's been in the high 60's at night).

These are my questions:

-What temperature is considered cold for adult chickens?
-Will they need a heat lamp in our version of winter?
-Do they need a heat lamp right now (are they old enough for me to leave it off at night)?
-Is it okay to let the chickens outside when it's frosty in the morning (they won't freeze their little toes, will they)?

In case the breed matters, I have 3 EE's, 1 Orphington, 1 Dominique, 1 Delaware, 1 Australorp, and 2 Wynadottes. They all look rather fluffy and I don't think even the 20's would be too cold, but I did notice our neighbor leaves his heat lamp on all winter and I wasn't sure.

Thanks so much for all your knowledgeable help!

 

[vermontgal]

They should not need a heat lamp in your version of winter, as long as your coop is well-built to keep out the wind. Temps in the 20s are no problem.

I try to keep the interior of my coop above 10F (outside temps below -15F, I need a 100w heat lamp.) The chickens themselves are fine below 10F, but I start to worry about frostbite on their combs. Last winter our coldest night was -30F. Chickens were fine, but I did turn on the heat for them that night.

 

[Akane]

Depends on the breed but at 20s F pretty much no chicken breed should need heat if they have good shelter. Seramas would be the only possible exception and I believe even they do fine down into the 20s. Some of my bantams have trouble below 0F but none of my standards do. They didn't act cold at -30F and were standing in the open doorway while the wind blew at them. We get feet of snow and I still usually open the coop. Many of the won't go out and if they do they don't go far but there's no reason not to open the door in that weather. The only time I don't open it is if the snow or rain is blowing at the door since I don't want a coop full fo snow or soaking wet.

 

[cw]

too cold, need to add the heat lamp

 

[Kristania1]

Thanks for the replies! I guess I've been pampering them too much. But I want them to be happy and safe.

at Cw. I think it might have to get a bit colder here to have THAT happen!

 

[cw]

thats funny aint it, i dont think you have anything to worry about, but its better to ask then find yourself dubbing (cutting off the dead tissue)the comb on your fav. roo
good luck this winter

 

[gottalovemychickens]

You will have no problem at all , i used to live Central coast in california , Fremont ! I know for a fact there is no need for heat bulb unless you want to spoil them LOL

 

[gritsar]

Actually spoiling them is not a good idea IMO.
Better that they acclimate to the colder temps. and can handle anything nature throws at them (within reason) than to spoil them only to have the power go out and have sick chickens because they are not used to cold.


Yes, I'm singing the same song I sung last year at this time. I promise not to sing it all winter.

 

[Lynn57]

Were up in Alberta and there are times it gets to -40C (which is the same as -40F) I"ll have 9 or 10 hens in a 10 x 12 foot insulated barn with a south window. I'll have a heated water dish and a 100 watt bulb for 16 hours of light ...do I need a heater for them as well or not??
thanks guys