Need a heater?

[jkmiller826]

I'm getting ready to start my coop for 4 hens, which will be in a 4x8 space under my deck (sort of like a barn). We live in CT, where the temps get into the teens and 20s at night. If the coop is enclosed as well, do I need a heater?

 

[ColoradoMike]

From the FAQ:

Q. How do I get chickens ready for Fall Winter and Cold Weather?

A. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=71542
A. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=27182

Some good info in there...

Good luck!​

 

[SED]

Will you be cleaning the coop often? I would worry about the smell being under my deck.

 

[patandchickens]

Not if your hens are a normal-ish breed and you have good coop management which includes lotsa ventilation so that the air is dry rather than humid. (Humidity is a big risk factor for frostbite - chickens can typically take lots of cold without frostbite in DRY air)

It can't hurt to have electricity available "in case", but I seriously doubt you will have to use it at all.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[vermontgal]

I try to keep the interior of my chicken coop above 10F. Outside, it went to -30F last winter, close to a record for our area. I do use a heat emitter on very cold nights (below about -10F exterior temp). I had 4 chickens last winter. One died

, so now I have 3.

If your outside temperature doesn't go below 10F, you probably don't need a heater. Might not hurt to insulate, though.

 

[woody49705]

As long as their shelter provides protection from the "wind factor" they will be fine. It's been 4 years and not an issue other than a little frost bite on the roo's comb but you could never tell.

 

[CityChook]

IMHO, as long as your ventilation is good, the coop is draft-free and your chickens are chosen well, you likely won't *need* heat. That said, since this coop is so close to your house, I would wire it for electricity and heat should you decide that you'd like to use it. It's so easy and that way it's ready to go at a moments notice should you get some freak weather.

I think it would be wise to hardwire a fixture (make sure it's exterior/metal or ceramic) by the roost. You can put a heat light in it for winter and then use a switch to turn it on/off as needed. And during the summer it can be used as a plain old light or not at all. And don't forget that you will need at least one electrical outlet in which to plug in a heated water dish so you can keep water fluid.

I have a winter page on my personal page if you're interested in checking it out.