What if the power goes out??

[debid]

Having an alternative heat source available is never a bad idea. We get ice storms here so I wouldn't dream of NOT having some plan for going a week or two without power.

We have a wood burning stove in the house -- that's, of course, if it's actually cold outside. We have a propane heater (which could be set up in the garage in short order).

At the very least, you could use your own bare skin and a blanket to hold the heat in for a temporary heat source. You aren't actually as warm as a chicken should be but it will slow their temperature drop.

 

[azygous]

Have you heard of the "wool hen"? https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-wool-hen-creating-one-today.1133855/

You would need to make one well ahead of any power failure. It has more potential for brooding chicks where folks are off the grid.

Theory is the wool strips hung inside a box or bucket keep chicks from losing their body heat so it needs not be replaced by an external heat source.