How to keep chickens warm without electricity

[Carmen Jones]

I put hot water in a plastic cat litter jug capped it and put in henhouse it stayed warm for over 2hours would it be safe to do this at night when temps go down? Will the water freeze and make them colder later on?

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us
As long as they are mature and have had time to adjust to the temps and are kept dry and draft free with plenty of ventilation, they'll be fine. There are some breeds that have issues with cold, but most will do ok.

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Happyto have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC. Good advice from rjohns. These links may help

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-chicken-keeping
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-coop-temperatures

 

[Wickedchicken6]

Hello and welcome to BYC!! It’s so nice to have you join us.
May I ask the general area that you live in? How cold is it there?

I'm not sure if this helps alleviate your worry, I'm from Canada and my chickens are in two different separate buildings; neither building is insulated.

This video may help with learning how to navigate the new site.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask one of us.

 

[N F C]

You've already received some good advice and links so I'll just say hello and thanks for joining us!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Honestly, chickens don't need added heat unless you are talking -40 or something. And even then, old the oldest or youngest of birds might need heat. They come fully feathered with down. Many folks up in Alaska keep chickens in uninsulated coop with no heat.

Make SURE you have good ventilation in your coop. 1 sq foot vent space per bird in the eaves of the coop. Never lock them in tight, all the moisture from pooping and breathing needs to rise up and out of the coop to keep the birds warm and dry.

Good luck and welcome to our roost!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Great advice given by previous posters.

 

[Hope Hughes]

Hello
Welcome to BYC!!
So glad to have you here!!
Thanks for sharing your story!!
You have come to the right place.
There are many people on here that are ready to help in anyway they can!
The learning center also has alot of great information on it as well!
Enjoy!​