Leaving the heat lamp on.

[bledsoe95]

I need 2 know wht this can do 2 my chickens & any suggestios what 2 do about it.

 

[PamB]

You need ventilation in your coop, so do not cover all windows with the plastic unless you have other ventilation set up. If you do have other means of ventilation, can you use clear plastic so that light comes in during the day?? They do not need to see the nests at night when it gets dark out.

 

[bledsoe95]

They are about 12 2in. cracks in the floor to get rid of the old bedding.

 

[bledsoe95]

Thanks and i will try this but what about the night time?

 

[annie3001]

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[PamB]

Quote:
If I were you, I would leave the windows uncovered a little to let air in/out. As long as the wind is not blowing on your chickens, they should be okay. You need to worry about drafts, not cold necessarily. I'm not sure what you mean by "what about the night time?"

 

[bledsoe95]

Should i leave the light on then or not?

 

[PamB]

I don't think you need to. I live in CT and it is very cold here. I have Silkies (which are not especially cold hardy) and I have less chickens than you and they seem to be doing fine without a lamp/light/heat, etc. The coop is insulated so that probably helps a little and I put about 6 inches of wood shavings on the floor to help keep them warm. They also keep eachother warm. It sounds like you have enough chickens that they would keep eachother warm. Mine go into the coop when it gets dark and go to sleep until the sun comes back up. There is no need for them to see at night because they just sleep. They wait until the sun comes up to eat, drink, etc.

 

[bledsoe95]

Thanks and what should i do about the snow and ice in the run?

 

[PamB]

I covered my run with plastic tarps for the winter. This helps keep the snow out. I only covered the top, so some still gets in. We just shovel that snow over to the sides. Some people cover the sides of the run too which helps keep the wind out. I'm considering doing that.