keeping warm?

[alvter]

Forgive me if there is another question like this the state we live in gets tons of snow and dips below zero often (Utah) when we built the coop we added insulation but the chickens have eaten it all and there is none left so now it is just a wooden box how and do we need to keep them warm? we have a light heater in there but a guy who works with my husband says he has never used the lamp? I am worried sick that my beautiful chickens will be cold? also If I use a lamp we have a clear and a red one also would we leave it on all night or just a timer I would like them to have light to lay also? all experiences appreciated Thanks

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Hi, and

Chickens tend to do quite well in the cold, generally speaking. They usually tolerate it better than they do extreme heat.

You really shouldn't need to add heat. Just make sure they have plenty of ventilation without draft.

For some great perspective, take a look at this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/421122/think-its-too-cold-for-your-chickens-think-again

 

[alvter]

unfortuanatly my husband did not add a window we have a string pulled slider that leads out to the ladder to get down then we have a hinge door on the other side just to open to clean it and the hinged tilt up over the nesting boxes to get the eggs. What should we do for the ventilation we could possibly cut a small hole or two near the roof in the rafters but wouldnt that make it really cold for them? Right now it has been hot I have been putting a small rock in the nest tilt to add small ventilation would that work in the winter to give them some air? also how do I keep enough light for laying if there is not a light in their house?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Your coop needs ventilation year round. It's not too late to add it. Ventilation should be high up, over their heads when they roost.

Here is a great page to check out: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION

Generally there is not enough light in a short winter's day for your chickens to continuing laying without supplemental light. I choose to let mine rest up over the winter and thus do not provide supplemental light. If you want to provide supplemental light for continuous laying, you can put a light on a timer to come on while it is still dark to simulate a longer day. You don't want to have it on 24/7, however.

 

[alvter]

The page you referred me to has answered most of my questions so I am not going to put a heat lamp in but a clear for a few hours in the AM to get egg's (That is one of the reasons we got chickens for is the egg's) Thank You for your advice!