I have a shaded chicken run and coop and winter is here....

[jreinert2]

My poor chickens do not get any direct sunlight. Their area is completely shaded, which seems lovely in the summer, but poses problems for the winter. Would it be harmful to put a heat light in their run set on a timer to match current daylight hours (I don't want it for extra egg production)? I just want to give them something to "bask in" during the day.

 

[chicmom]

In my humble opinion, it wouldn't hurt a bit, as long as the bulb itself was sheltered from the elements.

 

[mtngirl35]

Also make sure there is no way your chickens can come in contact with the light.