Should I heat my coop?

[Egghead_Jr]

We've considered the "Third Hen," but I am a little nervous about concentrating heat within a closed pot, particularly that close to the bedding.

I like the idea--I'm probably just being too cautious...

Each hen produces 10 to 15 watts of heat. Some refrigerator bulbs are 15W which would perfectly mimic an extra hen if wired to a clay pot. Connecting it to the roost would be challenging though.

 

[stevetone]

Each hen produces 10 to 15 watts of heat. Some refrigerator bulbs are 15W which would perfectly mimic an extra hen if wired to a clay pot. Connecting it to the roost would be challenging though.

Yes, but hens do not often short circuit, melt, or have 110 volts running through their bodies (at least not for long).

If I were to use one it would rest on the floor, on a ceramic tile, with the electrical cord protected in some manner from peck-through. And NOT under the roost, unless protected from nightly droppings.

Actually, the more I think about the construction, placement and protection from droppings and perching, the more I don't like the idea. Perhaps adding those "filler hens" will work out better.

 

[fishnet1971]

Think about how your chickens would fare if they are used to 55 and then in the middle of winter the power gos out and its -20. If they are used to it being cold, and have gotten nice thick warm feathers to deal with the cold they will be fine, if they are used to 55 and have thin feathers to deal with 55 you will have frozen chickens. Middle of Montana no heat and happy chickens here.

I have a backup generator. No problems, and if that happened, they have a cozy house heated with a woodburner to stay ok in (only have 10). They still get their thick winter feathers. have them already. The last two years it never got below freezing, nor above 55 with an average of 40 degree in the heavy winter. (inside the coop) the 55 was when the sunshine was coming in the windows and heating the coop. the only reason i am using the heat lamp right now 24/7 is for my rescue with no feathers who needs to extra warmth.