I need some Ideas to keep my Chickens warm for winter!!!!!

[Nako]

I agree with not using a light. If it goes out in the middle of the night, the chickens have a hard time adjusting to the quick drop in temp. If you do get below freezing put vasoline on their combs and waddles so they are protected. with nine chickens I would think they would have no problem keeping each other warm.

 

[nxd10]

I bought a 2 gallon heated chicken waterer for less than $30 at the local Tractor Store. It is temperature sensitive and turns on when the water temp drops below 35 degrees. It worked great last spring when it was very cold and usually turned off during the day when the sun was out. I didn't notice any change in my electric bill. Simpler and probably cheaper than other options. I run it off of an extension cord from my garage.

 

[Che]

Quote:
I actually have 10 lol I was thinking about adding another house and a run that connects them both, but I have no ideas any suggestions on a run anyone?

 

[Che]

anyone?

 

[pinkwindsong]

your girls look like mine.. they love to snuggle up next to each other every night, that will help there just from body heat I have a chain link dog kennel that I am using as my coop and I have tarped it but left ventilation areas and the sides so that I can roll them up on nice days for fresh air and I have a heat lamp that I will shine to the center of the coop to keep them warm / even though I know they dont need it but they are so spoiled how can I not give them heat...

blessed be and good luck )O(
Pink

 

[Che]

Quote:
one just started laying eggs today sad thing is idk whose egg is it...lol

 

[AV Brahmas]

I dunno, coats? Nah....that won't work. There are these things called "feathers"...oh wait...they already have those!

And all smart alecky comments aside...that is all they need! Especially in your relatively mild climate. Up here in the great white north and I still do not provide any extra heat. I brought in a building this summer that a guy was unloading and he had a brooder light in the rafters to use as a heater. I chuckled about it and he did not take it well. SOME breeds, notably the single combed varieties, are prone to frostbitten combs and in severe cold some chickens will get frostbite in their feet and legs. I can remember an issue of Poultry Press over ten years back where the editor was culling a large number of bantams after a cold snap due to frozen feet. Our largest number in terms of breed are Brahma large fowl. I have kept some groups over winter in a south facing run in (no south wall) and they have piled in the corners on the hay and done well all winter.

Your pics show good sized, healthy chickens who will ride out winter just fine. Provide wide perches so they can roost on their legs and feet. Get the food and water off the litter as it is a source of disease and parasites. Your ventilation looks good but I would put a couple of small vents low down to provide the convection necessary to dry out the litter. Make sure your Silkie has a way to get out from under the other birds and stay dry. Paint is your choice but it looks nicer and makes the wood last longer and this is good PR for you, your birds, and chicken raising in general.

 

[terryg]

I call that sort of coop a "covered nesting box." Unless the chickens have access to the outside, even in inclement weather, it's going to be tight and you're going to have problems, from pecking to parasites. The rule of thumb is 4 square feet interior space per bird (don't count the nesting boxes) and that's only if they also have an outside run. The outside space should be at least 8 square feet per bird. The first thing I'd do to your coop is to add roosts. It's really important for the birds to be able to get up off the ground and sleep on roosts. They need enough space for everyone to fit. Also, I wouldn't worry about heat, I'd worry about ventilation. In a small space, the moisture and ammonia builds up and you'll have respiratory problems. You'll want to keep the inside very dry and clean! As far as staying warm, I have a FAQ about that here. http://www.hencam.com/henblog/cold-weather-care/

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Maybe a glass window were the heat can come in.

 

[Beekissed]

Deep litter is your best insulation, as with a lack of roosts your birds will be spending a lot of time on the floor of your coop. I live in a much colder climate than do you, with a bigger henhouse, way more cracks for ventilation and the deep litter keeps my birds from getting frostbit, keeps them warm and happy and gives them something to do when they are snowed in.