My chickens seem cold- heater?

[blackandtan]

Using a thick gauge extension cord that is rated for outdoor use, taping the connections and plugging it into a GFCI. How is that dangerous?[/QUOTE
Yes! Thank you! I have 2 heat lamps, one hangs near enough the waterer to keep it liquid, the other is in the “bedroom”, an enclosed perching area in the coop. I use appropriate cords with a gfi, lamps are very securely hung with wire and well away from flammables. I have never thought it was dangerous.

Coop fires are tragic, but what was the setup like?

Chickens do have warm down clothes but I’m sure on the -30, -40 and even -50 nights they appreciate a little extra warmth!

 

[aart]

Making the coop tight is the answer I think.

Huh @pw_quiltworks ??
"Tight" as in no ventilation?

 

[Pigpye]

Chickens get cold , as a matter of fact

 

[JoeInPA]

Huh @pw_quiltworks ??
"Tight" as in no ventilation?

If you look at my coop, the "soffits" are covered with chicken wire and seem to provide great ventilation with little to no drafts. The coop stays completely dry inside even in extended heavy downpours. The windows also open to vent summer time heat, but I haven't had to do that yet. The soffit vents have worked really well so far.

 

[David61]

I put heavy mil plastic on the north side as a wind break. No wind, no wind chill. Dry birds will be fine out of the wind. If they get wet (rained on) they need to be warm until dry.

 

[aart]

If you look at my coop, the "soffits" are covered with chicken wire and seem to provide great ventilation with little to no drafts. The coop stays completely dry inside even in extended heavy downpours. The windows also open to vent summer time heat, but I haven't had to do that yet. The soffit vents have worked really well so far.

Yep, but remember to keep part of the run open too for ventilation.
....and not sure why you quoted my question to another member,
but it's good that your coop is not buttoned up tight.

 

[centrarchid]

I have a student following a free-range flock from morning roost to evening roost. They exhibit huge changes in behavior related to temperature and wind. When it gets cold they are spend much more time foraging where the wind is largely blocked, yet they have good sun. As the food in those areas is being depleted they forage elsewhere, but retreat to the protected areas to loaf which is much of the day. These birds are getting all their eats by foraging which has them moving around a lot more. If feeding stations put out birds would spend less time eating and more time loafing in preferred areas.

 

[JoeInPA]

Well I think the scratch may have been just the thing I needed to get the chickens out of the coop. I think they were maybe just bored. I filled up their treat ball and threw a few handfuls of scratch into the run and they have been outside since. They love it.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I’ve noticed that my chickens are more interested in scratching and foraging since this cold snap started. I’m guessing the activity helps their bodies adjust to the cooler temps. You’ll do fine. The first winter is a big learning experience.

 

[hhouck514]

Don't risk it! A friend of mine lost their entire chicken coop (50+ show chickens) to a heat lamp. It caught on fire, but the fire department was too late. play it safe.