Is frostbite avoidable without electric heating? Should I add heat to my coop?

[StinkyAcres]

Just checked now that my girls have been sleeping for a while and the indoor humidity is 71% and outside it is 81%

Is that with the heater on?

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Is that with the heater on?

no, I have the heater off because it isnt below freezing outside

 

[StinkyAcres]

Interesting. I live in a very humid and cold part of the country and my hens don't get significant frostbite.

 

[2 Acres]

I have 6 adult hens (breeds below) and an uninsulated 5x5 coop. Each and every year, at least one hen has gotten frostbite on her comb. There are no drafts in the coop, although there is airflow up top (to prevent moisture buildup). Where I live, winter temperatures typically range from an average low of 24°F to a high of 34°F. It has gone down to the teens before, especially at night. Their frost bite has never been too crazy, but I want them to be comfortable - especially my larger combed ladies. Starting this winter, I am doing the deep litter method. I guess my main questions are: Is frostbite really avoidable without a heat source when it gets below freezing, and do you guys think I should put a heat source in my coop? I wont be doing heat lamps (for safety reasons), but I could use a plate heater like a Sweeter Heater or something. Also, I have heard of people filling up plastics milk jugs with hot water and putting them in the coop - will that help? For context, this is the comment I got it from: "For emergency cold drops, fill up plastic jugs with hot water, screw on top and place in enclosed coop area. It will raise the temperature several degrees in an enclosed space." I found it on a Youtube video, that's why I want to ask about before trying it.

Breeds: Dark Brahma, Lavender and Buff Orpingtons, Gold laced Blue Wyandotte, Easter Egger, and an Olive Egger. All 3yo or younger.

Hot water freezes faster than cold water. There are some good (and safe) heaters available. Google search Vornado space heater. They have safety features to prevent a coop fire. One is automatic shut off in case the heater gets tipped over.

 

[2 Acres]

A cupola!!! Awesome!!! That and an air intake low should do wonderfully. I would have thought your pop door would be doing the air intake.

Most pop doors are about 1 sq ft and that cupola looks like about a square foot. Two square feet of opening for air is rule of thumb enough for two chickens. But a cupola works better than nearly every other option. I'm not sure how much better, though. Maybe I can find some guidelines.

Home Depot has some solar powered roof vents. I think they are $80 now. Of course the sun has to shine for those to be effective.

 

[2 Acres]

That's a good idea! And make sure there is one outside as well so you can compare.

Vaseline the combs and wattles. Mushers Secret works well too. It's kinda like Vaseline, but thicker.

 

[2 Acres]

Interesting. I live in a very humid and cold part of the country and my hens don't get significant frostbite.

I've seen combs go black from frostbite.

 

[2 Acres]

The only way water will stay warm, is if you either have a huge amount, as in hundred of gallons, or you have it in insulated containers. A gallon of hot water, would cool off in a couple of hours.

And increase humidity.

 

[2 Acres]

The only way water will stay warm, is if you either have a huge amount, as in hundred of gallons, or you have it in insulated containers. A gallon of hot water, would cool off in a couple of hours.

I would think sooner than that...

 

[2 Acres]

Sure!
Here is the inside of the coop, I have the two windows you see, which are closed during the winter, with just a tiny little crack because they wont close all the way (the wood expanded over the summer ). And then down below I have the door, which stays open (although I might get an automatic door).
View attachment 4262233

And then up top above the roosts I have this thing which as you can see has ventilation, which stays open 24/7.
View attachment 4262238

Impressive compared to my 10x10