My story of finding and building the best heater

[DobieLover]

So basically, if I understand correctly from you guys - there is no need to worry about any heater in coop - it is all about natural immunity of chickens against cold, sufficient light, and fresh pullets every year (which I don't think I am ready to replace), even in -20, -30C. I get it. So basically those are the reasons not to get an adequate heater - no need?

Basically. You are forgetting about the importance of a coop design that provides copious ventilation as well as draft protection at roost level. Those are critical parameters that permit the birds to keep themselves warm.
No, you don't need to provide supplemental heat in those temps.

 

[Nomadicus]

It will help to select breeds with other than large single combs. check out Wyandottes and similar breeds. Haven't chickens have survived in barns without heat in sub zero temps for centuries?

 

[aart]

even in -20, -30C.

Are these lows that happen once in a while at night...or regularly sustained for days on end?

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Dim2000]

Basically. You are forgetting about the importance of a coop design that provides copious ventilation as well as draft protection at roost level. Those are critical parameters that permit the birds to keep themselves warm.
No, you don't need to provide supplemental heat in those temps.

Ok, so what is the proper design to you?

 

[Dim2000]

It will help to select breeds with other than large single combs. check out Wyandottes and similar breeds. Haven't chickens have survived in barns without heat in sub zero temps for centuries?

Just to clarify: the large single combs would benefit from heat or would not?

 

[TwoCrows]

Ok, so what is the proper design to you?

This...

 

[Nomadicus]

Just to clarify: the large single combs would benefit from heat or would not?

They would but at what cost when birds made for the cold would eliminate the added expense?

 

[Dim2000]

Are these lows that happen once in a while at night...or regularly sustained for days on end?

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3761263

Thanks! I am in North to Calgary: - Calgary - Edmonton area in Alberta Canada. Where temps of -20 -30 can be pretty much common in winter time, it is not a one time thing. (Otherwise I would probably not raise this question ) , but that's a good point - thanks for asking

 

[TwoCrows]

Thanks! I am in North to Calgary: - Calgary - Edmonton area in Alberta Canada. Where temps of -20 -30 can be pretty much common in winter time, it is not a one time thing. (Otherwise I would probably not raise this question ) , but that's a good point - thanks for asking

If I lived in your climate, I would probably insulate my coop, use venting such as I posted above. If my birds started to have trouble with the cold, I probably would use low heat, maybe keeping temps 10 degrees warmer than the outside temps. This adds heat however it's not enough heat that if the power went out it would harm the birds. They would still be able to go outside on nicer days.

 

[Dim2000]

They would but at what cost when birds made for the cold would eliminate the added expense?

True, if you are looking only at the cost side.