Hey, folks, happy new year! I haven't posted here in a while, but I have been keeping up on reading. Of course, when the topic of heating the coop comes up, I have to chime in.
I, of course, am completely against heating the coop even in the projected temps that we have coming up. It especially makes me wary when someone says they're going to put a heat lamp in their coop. I'm gonna use big, bold letters here because it needs to be said:
There is NO WAY to make a heat lamp completely safe!
Bolt it down, wire it all together, dust it daily, and you still run the risk of the bulb shattering or the fixtures getting hot enough to ignite dust in the air. Ceramic emitter bulbs have been known to fall off and leave live wires exposed. This is a very real danger, especially with birds flying around and kicking up dust! Of all the things I am against in regards to heating a coop, I am most against the use of a heat lamp in any shape or form!
In regards to whether or not they need it, well, that depends. Adult birds absolutely do not need heat to start with, but if you've gotten them used to heat already, they're going to suffer to have it taken away. You need to have a backup plan ready if the power goes out or if something happens to that heater, because you'll have birds that cannot cope well with the cold on their own as a result. Be able to prepare a room with a heater in your house or garage for your cold-intolerant flock, just in case!
I have not heated my coop in many years, and when I did, I was foolish and stupid and I very nearly caused a coop fire. My girls have gone years, years without any source of heat and I have never lost a bird to heat under normal circumstances. Of course, you have to use common sense--I had a molting hen that was almost completely bare who could not take the cold. I still will not heat my coop, but rather, bring in the bird that is unable to handle the weather. Remember, huddling and moping around is normal for a cold day. Unbalanced 'dizzy-walking' and stumbling is not normal and should be addressed. You have to use your own judgement and observations in these cases.
M2H seems to have learned from me in regards to extension cord safety.If you must use an extension cord as I do, you need to make sure it is rated for outdoor use. You need to make sure it can handle the wattage that will be running through it. You should check the length of it regularly for any signs of fraying or deterioration. You should also dust both ends of it regularly to ensure dust hasn't gotten into it.
In regards to wet birds, I would much rather dry them off before roost time than put them in a freezing coop while still wet, even with a heat source. I would think that moisture that is in the coop under these conditions is going to cause more issues like frostbite. The goal is to have as little moisture in the coop as possible, so limiting ventilation in the wintertime is not good, either. Vents should be above the birds and none should blow directly past them to avoid them feeling drafts. There are also open-air coops in which one wall, preferably facing away from the prevailing wind, is completely open for ventilation. Lots of ventilation, even in the wintertime, will make a healthy coop overall. In other words, absolutely do not close of your coop's ventilation completely in the wintertime!
My plan for the cold weather is to make sure the girls have places to go out of the wind, especially at night. I also will use the 'buddy system'. Everyone's going to be perched with at least one or two buddies to share body heat with. I recall having temps like those predicted last year (look at that, I can say that now!), and my girls did just fine without heat in an uninsulated coop.
Well, now that that's out of my system, I bid you all a fond good-night.
Pip'd, I agree with what you say. If they have never had heat, it's not a good idea to start, especially if the heat goes out. I've read multiple sources that say full grown chickens are fine even in negative double digits, as long as they are away from wind/drafts. I have no problem with ours in their Ft. Knox coop, the pop door is shut, and plenty of roof ventilation. I do need to make the water dish better to prevent freezing the next few days tho.
No, silly, the reason all those warning stickers are on devices is from the lawyers. Without lawyers trying to bring lawsuits from one's own stupidity (like the hot coffee incident), we would be sticker free! I think of this every time I see warning labels. At least I know not to do what others have done, when I read those labels and instantly tear them off.pipd ~ Good to see you back!LOL Seriously, it is, but where's the photos of Rangi et al?
pipd posted: M2H seems to have learned from me in regards to extension cord safety.
pipd ~ I'm not sure how to say this, and I sincerely mean no disrespect, but I learned about extension cord safety years ago before you were born.My point was that any electrical device has the potential to cause a fire, so proper precautions should be used. That's why manufacturers put tags and warning stickers on devices and provide a manual. There is no "one size fits all" approach to raising poultry; avian veterinarians and other professional experts disagree on many issues. Regarding taking care of chickens during the cold weather, it's good to have your input and we welcome posts from others as well. Different opinions are interesting and thought-provoking.
Originally Posted by jchny2000
M2H are you thinking bantam, or large frame cochin?
I am back and forth myself. DH wants LF and I love the bantams. Egg size is about the same!
He saw jsummers blue roo last summer and hounds me nonstop about that rooster!
I told him go talk to Jess! So I promised they are the next breed to add.
jchny~ Either one. If bantams lay close to the same size then I'd rather have bantams. I've always like large animals-- large cats, dogs, -- and my Jersey Giant! But, we fell in love with our little bantam Bonbon. And, like I mentioned before, bantams have little poop! lol I like blue-gray, lavender-gray, blue-black splash colors. So is jsummers breeding them? I put in an order with bradselig at one time for two guaranteed female chicks in those colors with one frizzle, but he ignored me. I guess he's into the modern birds now.
Yes, I am one of those who take off the label that says ''Do Not Remove".
Getting ready for the deep chill, and oh yeah, Go Colts!
