To Heat or Not to Heat-That is the Question

[annaBsChick]

Here is a neat infographic on the subject - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/dangers-of-heat-lamps-in-chicken-coops

 

[cassy]

My method for dealing with winter is quite simple one extra feeder of whole corn. I live in Canada subject to -40º. I have 67 trips around the sun. I have raised various types of chickens and birds for decades.

TLC still has to be provided to birds that may not be adapting well to the diet. For the most part birds are vocal happy and do just fine. NO HEAT NO EXTRA LIGHT please and thank you works fine for me and my flock.

If for any reason you find it necessary to supply electricity to your coop via extension cord.

Please employ a "Ground Fault Outlet" also use a "Safety Chain" in conjunction to any heat lamp or incandescent bulb after mounting.
One coop fire is too many and these precautions could be the difference.

A simple action such as a rodent chewing on your extension cord could be the cause of a coop fire and a ground fault circuit could be the difference in witnessing your coop in tack or a pile of smoldering ash.

P.S. There are now a variety of ground fault extension cords available in major retail centers that also would be a wise investment.

Wow! I have to say, most people that I have come across in this forum are in areas of the US that don't get the kind of temperatures that we do. I really didn't think Canadians could get away with not heating their coops somehow. I live near Edmonton, and last winter we had spells of -30 with wind chills taking it even much lower for 3-4 days at a time, and I did put heat to my coop. Nice to know I don't have to heat if the coop is ventilated enough!

 

[bruceha2000]

Yeah, you Canadians are sometimes in MUCH colder places.

I have to and thenwhen I read people in Florida thinking they MUST heat their coops for the "poor" chickens. Dang, winter in Florida is likely the only time the poor birds MIGHT be comfortable!

However ... I don't recall which city (might be in Minnesota) decided to allow chickens to be kept in the city. However some (probably well meaning but amazingly misinformed) person/people added a requirement that the coop be 34°F or higher at all times

 

[Hokum Coco]

Nice to know I don't have to heat if the coop is ventilated enough!

I believe tending animals is a responsibility akin to raising a child. You have to monitor your flock each day and adapt to what the flock requires. There will be occasions in some birds lives when HEAT would be beneficial. You still have to use good judgement and common sense. It is not a ONE SIZE FITS ALL approach.