How to keep chickens warm without electricity

[blackdust951]

it's great to have you here!
hello and welcome to backyard chickens!we're so happy you've decided to join usi hope you enjoy your time here.

 

[Jasper D]

When I look into my coop at night my chickens are all huddled together in one nesting box. 4-5 month old pullets in one box. Are they doing this because of the body heat or fear? I am confused. They are in a secure coop with plenty of food and water. There are six laying boxes and some roosting poles. I just feel as if I am doing something wrong or left something out to make them comfortable! Lowest temp is 48 degrees, I live in San Diego.
#lovemychickens

 

[TwoCrows]

When I look into my coop at night my chickens are all huddled together in one nesting box. 4-5 month old pullets in one box. Are they doing this because of the body heat or fear? I am confused. They are in a secure coop with plenty of food and water. There are six laying boxes and some roosting poles. I just feel as if I am doing something wrong or left something out to make them comfortable! Lowest temp is 48 degrees, I live in San Diego.
#lovemychickens

Chicks and pullets will sleep in the nest boxes if given the opportunity. So you need to block the nest boxes off at night to prevent this from happening. (Make sure to unblock them first thing in the morning). Nest boxes are for laying in only. Make sure they know how to roost by placing them all on the bar before turning out the lights. And make sure your roost bar is excessable and not hard to get to. Good luck!

 

[Jasper D]

Thank you! I have a store bought coup. I am not happy with the layout. I might have to move my roost to a higher vantage point. They are on the same level as the nesting boxes.

 

[TwoCrows]

Thank you! I have a store bought coup. I am not happy with the layout. I might have to move my roost to a higher vantage point. They are on the same level as the nesting boxes.

Those prefab coops can a bit to work with. I started with one too and neither me or the birds liked it. Ha! Evetually we built a monstrous coop.

Good luck with your flock!

 

[TwoCrows]

Oh and make sure to cut ventilation holes on the eaves somewhere if it doesn't have any. Some of the little coops don't have any.

 

[Jasper D]

Those prefab coops can a bit to work with. I started with one too and neither me or the birds liked it. Ha! Evetually we built a monstrous coop.

Good luck with your flock!

Yes, I have decided I need to start construction on a more sound coop. Although I am finding that the purchased coop is sturdy, it is showing signs of wear and tear. 6 months and a hinge is breaking. At least with my own construction I am hoping I can use better quality materials.

 

[chickadoodles]

Hello and welcome to BYC.

 

[lazy gardener]

Carmen, how old are your birds? What is your temp? They should be just fine, but as other posters have stated, your coop needs good ventilation, without being drafty. A jug of water would retain some heat until it freezes. Once it freezes, if the air temp warms up above freezing in the morning, then the jug of ice would keep the air colder. Does your coop have at least 4 sq. ft. of open floor space per bird? Without that much room, as well as adequate floor to ceiling height, your birds will be more prone to frost bite.

 

[AllenK RGV]

When I feel bad for my birds I make sure that they have plenty of carbs in the form of cracked corn and scratch. I don't worry as much about the protein during those times as we get shocking temperature shifts here where I live from 70F nights to 30F nights. Then back to 60-75F nights 2 days later in winter.

If you antrhopromorphize(spelling) as we do then give them their candy and feel better as they make their own heat and have their own down jackets.