Temperature

[mcardle671]

We just received 9 10 week old chicks. They are fully feathered. We live in southern New Hampshire. What is an appropriate temperature for their coop? We have a heat lamp for them, the current temp is 37. Should we turn it on, or turn on a regular light?

Thanks!

 

[bj taylor]

i have no perspective of your area. in my opinion, as long as the temp is above freezing & there is no draft or rain - they won't need a heat lamp.

 

[sumi]

At this age they really don't need extra heat. As long as their coop is draught free and dry inside they will be o.k. They can huddle together and keep each other warm too. A heat lamp is lovely, but IMO opinion it's not necessary unless the coop temperature drops below freezing and your chickens risk getting frostbite, but keeping the coop dry and above freezing will prevent that.

 

[mcardle671]

When we got them, some of them already had frostbite on their feet. I guess I'm a bit nervous about that.

 

[sumi]

Let your chickens roost on something board like a 2x4, so their feathers cover their feet completely. This will help protect their feet from the cold and frost bite.