Is it safe to let chickens out when it's 20 degrees? Cut off temp??

[TooCheep]

I have omlet coop. I am new to this. I have read don’t put heater in coop. It’s been 20 at night. I worry they will be too cold. What about when it gets to be -25. I took out one roosting bar and put in shavings so they can hopefully keep warm. Suggestions? Advice?

Welcome to BYC @Zobot0110.

Most chickens are cold-hardy, but that depends on breed. What breeds do you have?

As for how to handle cold weather, the rule is that you are more concerned about them getting direct drafts and wet. Cold itself generally isn't the problem. Cold-hardy chickens can handle negative temps.

Make sure you don't have your ventilation/windows facing the prevailing winds. That will keep both the water (from blowing rain/snow) and direct drafts off of them. This will keep them from getting frostbite. Their feathers will do the rest. Ventilation on the other sides is still strongly encouraged so that the moisture from the poo and breath can be cleared out rather than freeze on them.

I have one shelter with just two covered sides and the roof. The open sides are hardware cloth and the girls do fine.

Why did you take out the roosting bar? Chickens prefer to roost at night. Will they have enough bar space to roost?

PS- It would be helpful to know where you are located for many questions including this one. Please add your general location in your profile to make it easier for us to help you.

PPS- Yes, don't put a heater in the coop. It is a fire hazard.

 

[TooCheep]

Those should all be cold hardy for your climate. Just protect them from the wind/rain. Good luck.

 

[Bawkbok]

Omlet coops are designed to keep birds warm at night when it's cold and cool at night when it's hot out. The double walled construction allows for this. Omlet also makes a thick cover you can put on your coop if you're worried about it, I believe it has an insulating factor but realize if you use one of these, you inhibit the ventilation which in Omlet coops, is already inadequate, in my opinion, we have one also.