What are all the heating options?

[mandelyn]

I just get so paranoid! I don't know why, I'll toss the dogs out in the rain, never blanketed my horses, didn't do anything special for the goat... but chickens... I've brought them in the house, put lights on them, checked the weather and current temps and such.

Maybe it's because the rooster is a single comb, and I'm having flashbacks to the previous drafty/too small coop and the frostbite that set in on everything single combed. Converted rabbit hutches aren't good for winter!

Just need to relax, this dog house was designed for really cold temps, it's fully insulated, that back room doesn't catch a draft.

Hopefully husband can get started on my "dream" coop this Spring. It'll get old crawling into the dog house for eggs. LOL should have seen me yesterday cleaning the thing out. Unless I cut a hole and put a solid door on it above the nest box...

No, this one is temporary to get through this winter so that the new coop isn't a rushed job.

 

[jafo]

Quote:
I totally and whole-heartedly agree with this line of thinking and it's how I raise my birds. Important to remember though, that if you expect your birds to be more self-sufficient, you need to pick birds that are suitable for your climate.

We did,,,,,,,,,,,Orpingtons.

 

[SimplyForties]

Sorry, I meant that as more of a general "you", not to imply that you personally didn't.

I think it's important when I'm spouting my "natural, no heat, etc." gospel that it really only applies to birds who are designed to survive in the local conditions, hot or cold. When I was living in Texas I really wanted those big fluffy, feather-footed birds but had to realize that they weren't the best choice for me in the hot desert! Now that I'm in the Blue Ridge Mountains I've got an all Buckeye flock and really love them.

 

[jafo]

Oh no need to apologize, I meant "we" in the same fashion,,,,,

 

[Kismet]

Chickens grow their own down coats - just keep them dry and draft free. If it gets really cold (10 below) you can rub vaseline into the combs if you fear frostbite.