Is my Sultan cold?

[kickinchicken]

I have an 8 month old pullet Sultan and she is kept in an insulated coop with 3 Cochins and a Sebright. I know the Sultan isn't as cold hardy as the rest and I am wondering at what temp should I start putting on the heat lamp. She has already stopped laying eggs...about a month ago. There is plenty of ventilation in the rafters and the windows are closed at night. I also close the pop door at 6:30pm or sooner. I just don't want her to be cold.

 

[kyrose]

you should be able to tell if shes uncomfortable.she will be puffed up and not moving around much.things like that.i have 4 very small seramas in an insulated coop.their first winter outside.they just made it thru a 32 degree night.they were fine..how big is your coop?

 

[Frannabelle]

I have a bantam sultan pullet, she's doing just fine so far in the Michigan cold. She tends to stay in the coop house on blustery cold days, but otherwise she doesn't seem affected.

 

[kickinchicken]

My coop is 4x8 with a 7 ft high roof. All windows are placed so that they get the maximum light during the day. She seems fine during the day but I always wonder about her at night.

Would I ever need to put the heat lamp on? If so, at what temp?

 

[kyrose]

Quote:
if she were cold during the night you would see it in the morning when you let her out,as long as shes acting ok then dont worry about the lamp.if you need to relieve your mind,then go ahead and turn it on.thats why i put mine on last winter.i was to worried to sleep..lol this year i will try to go without and she what happens.how low do your temps usually go?

 

[kickinchicken]

In Rhode Island, we can get into the teens and sometimes in the single digits. The wind is an issues as I live 3 blocks from the bay. I am thinking of adding a hinged cover for my ventilation openings.

 

[kyrose]

just keep an eye on her.you will know when she needs heat...