Leaving the heat lamp on.

[bledsoe95]

I leave the heat lam on in my coop 24 hrs. a day and I was just wonderin if this can cause any problems with my chickens?

 

[NonnasBabies]

It can. You don't say what your location is and what the temps are like!! That would help!!

 

[bledsoe95]

I live in Virginia and the temp. has been below freezingfor a while and were also getting snow.

 

[bledsoe95]

I really need to know the problems it can cause so please help.

 

[annie3001]

hello.
if your lamp is not secured correctly, then it could fall onto your bedding. (if you are using shavings or hay) this could start a fire.
you could also have a bad connection (wire) . how is it installed? you need to be more specific for us to better help you. how many chickens do you have? some are hardy and can require no heat. its a choice. we have seen too many times here, on chicken coop fires.
also, how big is your coop? what kind of heat lamp? what wattage?
btw: i would not leave it on 24 hours a day. what happens if your electricity go's out? how would your chickens deal? i shut mine off when the chickens go out in to their run.

 

[bledsoe95]

I have it clipped on a nail on the celing, its a 250 watt, i have 30 chickens buff orpingtons, s3x links, barred rocks, & ameruanas.The coop is a 10ft. by 6ft.And i use shavings.

 

[Judy]

You do not need to provide heat in your climate, only adequate ventilation. A bit of research on here will reveal this.

Here is a good start: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-winter-coop-temperatures

 

[bledsoe95]

My coop is also dark and im worred about the hens not finding the nests.

 

[annie3001]

you do not have windows in your coop? hens lay usual during the am and afternoon. usually.

 

[bledsoe95]

My windows are made from wire & i had 2 cover them up with plastic 2 keep out the cold.