Keeping chickens warm in winter?

[Angelique2113]

This is our first year having chickens and we live in Colorado so the winters can get well below freezing sometimes and we've already had a couple nights in the 30s. I know chickens are pretty hardy but I want to get something to keep the coop warm enough that the water won't freeze. I have a pretty large coop that's part of my barn so there's plenty of floor and wall space. What's the best device for keeping things warm without being a fire hazard? Also if you have any recommendations for insulating it better that would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[PirateGirl]

This is our first year having chickens and we live in Colorado so the winters can get well below freezing sometimes and we've already had a couple nights in the 30s. I know chickens are pretty hardy but I want to get something to keep the coop warm enough that the water won't freeze. I have a pretty large coop that's part of my barn so there's plenty of floor and wall space. What's the best device for keeping things warm without being a fire hazard? Also if you have any recommendations for insulating it better that would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Your best bet is likely something to keep the water from freezing vs. heating the entire coop. There are a variety of heaters for stock tanks, heated poultry founts, heated dog bowls, as well as diy water heaters using a light bulb. They're starting to get them in stock at Murdoch's and Big R already.

The chickens act as their own little space heaters and with their feathers in good condition and a draft free spot to roost, they are quite good at keeping themselves warm. The water, on the other hand, can prove to be a problem.

 

[newchickenmom33]

This is our first year having chickens and we live in Colorado so the winters can get well below freezing sometimes and we've already had a couple nights in the 30s. I know chickens are pretty hardy but I want to get something to keep the coop warm enough that the water won't freeze. I have a pretty large coop that's part of my barn so there's plenty of floor and wall space. What's the best device for keeping things warm without being a fire hazard? Also if you have any recommendations for insulating it better that would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Following. Me too! This will be our first winter with chickens in the Springs. It’s gotten to 39 degrees so far and they seems fine and still come out on their own in the morning. I saw an offgrid video showing using a car tire and insulated it with paper and then placing the water off the ground in the center. I haven’t tried it because when it gets to 10 degrees I’m not sure it’ll work.

 

[PirateGirl]

I've had frozen water already up in the mountains winter is coming!

The chickens will come out when it's only 5*F provided it's not windy and they have clear ground to walk on.

Make sure they have a wind block in the run as well as an area that is free of snow and they will spend time outdoors virtually 365 days a year.

 

[chickens really]

I run a heat lamp..Yes I do.
My lamp is situated over my water source and my Birds have ITL a contagious disease. I'm in Canada and these Cold temps would be a death sentence to my Flock without providing them heat. It's definitely not warm on our coldest days although warmer than -28C.
Everyone has reasons for what they do or need to do for their flocks..

 

[Mrs. K]

Worry more about keeping your birds dry. Dry birds are warm birds. Ways to keep your birds dry, is to have deep bedding on the floor, lower the roosts so that the chickens' heads are below the ceiling by at least a foot. And have a LOT OF VENTILATION that lets moist air out.

I recommend an electrician to correctly install what electrical plug ins you need, instead of using an extension cord. There have been stories on here where the coop burns to the ground. The hens are warm then, but not what you are wanting.

I live in SD, I don't add heat to my coop, use black rubber bowls for water.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

Agrees, heat the water not the coop....and remember to have good ventilation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1048597/ventilated-but-free-of-drafts


This DIY heated waterer has worked well for me for 4 years:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-heated-waterer-with-horizontal-nipples.67256/

Lots of ways to keep water thawed:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/35191823/?q=winter++water&t=post&o=relevance&c[title_only]=1