We have a nice chicken coop...we built it based on some ideas I read here. It is now sitting empty this winter, I rehomed my girls, and am ordering chicks early next year. I have some work I'd like to do with the coop before it's lived in again. The coop is 8x12, with 8x8 fenced off for the chickens, there is a 4' entry for storage. It has no power....and I'm wondering if there is a floodlight or something that is available that runs off a solar panel that can go on the roof? I'd love to talk hubby into putting power in the coop, one outlet, one light, but not sure I'll get it! I'd like to look into lighting, and a different watering system (I know that's not relevant to this board...the next question may not be either....)
BTW, we ran an extension cord to the coop every winter to heat water.....so I shouldn't say NO power, but no light....
I have seen some people have brooders built into their coops. I do not. I raised our last chicks in a homemade brooder in the garage, made out of an old leaky galvanized water tank. Worked GREAT, hinged lid, etc etc, but they will outgrow it fast. I wondered about making a temporary area in the coop using straw bales or something, but then that wouldn't be very safe as far as a heat lamp goes, I'm sure. I can't heat the whole coop, but I could keep a corner warm....anyone do this?
Thanks!
BTW, we ran an extension cord to the coop every winter to heat water.....so I shouldn't say NO power, but no light....
I have seen some people have brooders built into their coops. I do not. I raised our last chicks in a homemade brooder in the garage, made out of an old leaky galvanized water tank. Worked GREAT, hinged lid, etc etc, but they will outgrow it fast. I wondered about making a temporary area in the coop using straw bales or something, but then that wouldn't be very safe as far as a heat lamp goes, I'm sure. I can't heat the whole coop, but I could keep a corner warm....anyone do this?
Thanks!
