How long should I have a heat lamp on in the coop during the winter?

[AlienChick]

I have 7 week old babies outside with no heat lamp.

 

[ChickenAl]

Quote:
This is an important point. If the electricity goes out the chickens will be shocked by the cold weather. This will be our first winter with chickens but we are not putting heat in the coop. So far it's been down into the twenties overnight and have had no problems. Plus, if they are let out during the day they will be just as cold if it 5 degrees outside. It makes sense to temper them for the cold. I know it may seem to be inhumane or something, but there are many creatures that survive the worst of winters without having someone to feed, water and provide shelter for them.

 

[jeepguy982001]

they be fine with no heat i woke up this morning and thought what the heck is in my run it was one of my two chickens i accidently locked out. usually she is inside 2 hrs before sundown so i felt bad but it got down to 17 and no probs at all and i just have 2 chickens usually in the coup until my chicks feather out.

 

[goldies99]

NO heat lamp!............upstate cold winters!...NO heat lamp!....they have down coats on!!!

 

[Snack Giver]

^ thats sad that you left your hen outside all night because you didnt notice there was only 1 bird in the coop.

 

[tresgallina3]

I was starting to worry about my 3 girls being too cold in their coop. This morning there was ice in the water container in the coop. But after reading your posts I think the girls will be ok. I am concerned with the bedding. I use pine pellets and they seem to be breaking down as if they have gotten wet. I clean out the coop each day and it just seems the bedding is not holding up like it should.

 

[GardenGal]

I don't know why the pine bedding would be breaking down.

Our six have done really well even though night time temps are in the 20s and their coop isn't insulated. They are acclimated to the climate and run around without seeming to feel the cold at all. Someone said they build up the down they need with cold nights, and we really aren't doing them any favors by giving them heat. It's hard to do though!