How colld for heatlamp

[desertgirl]

My DH wanted me to ask-at what temperature do you all turn on the heat lamp (in the outside coop)? Our chickens are 5-7 months old, pretty hardy and look very healthy, but it has been getting chilly (in the 40-50s) so we've turned it on for their comfort.

Thoughts?

 

[The Chicken People]

they dont need heat

 

[patandchickens]

40-50 is still *toasty* for chickens

Pat

 

[LovinMyHensInNC!]

Our nights have been dipping below 30 at night. This will be my second winter with chickens... didn't use a heat source last year nor do I plan on using one this year. Last winter I had turkeys and guineas and they always chose to roost on the trees. There were a several nights that we had terrible wind, ice storms and temps that were below zero (all at once!)... I was for sure I would go outside in those mornings with frozen birds stuck in my trees but they did just fine!!

 

[The Chicken People]

This is my first winter with chickens. I am choosing not to add heat because if the power goes out they would suffer much more not being ready to handle the colder temps! I have learned alot on BYC and no heat is best!

 

[kyrose]

i have 6 week olds outside in the coop.do they still need the heat lamp?its in the 40's at night right now.

 

[desertgirl]

As always, thank you so much!!!

We are removing the lamp right now and toughening those birds up!

 

[Marbleheader]

Quote:
As long as the coop is draft free, they should be fine, but IMO it wouldn't hurt to give them a little heat for about 2 more weeks - until they're closer to 60 days old.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
As long as the coop is draft free, they should be fine, but IMO it wouldn't hurt to give them a little heat for about 2 more weeks - until they're closer to 60 days old.

Also, you could put the light on only at night -- half the electric bill

Pat

 

[kyrose]

thanks marbleheader and patandchickens