When to add a heater?

[21hens-incharge]

We are headed to -13 soon while highs HAD been in the 30-50 range.
We have been colder in past years and everyone has done well.

My best advice is to not close up vents and do your best to keep at least one water dish thawed.

After a few decades of keeping chickens I can honestly say my biggest concern will be taking my old butt out several times a day to check for eggs.

 

[LizzzyJo]

After a few decades of keeping chickens I can honestly say my biggest concern will be taking my old butt out several times a day to check for eggs.

Amen!

 

[3KillerBs]

Should I leave them in the covered run when it’s precipitating or are they smart enough to not get wet?

Chickens know how to be chickens better than we know how to be chickens.

If your chickens are fully-feathered and not one of the breeds noted for being delicate (silkie-feathered, frizzled, extra-small bantams, etc), and they have free access to shelter if they want it then chickens can be trusted to be as wet as they want to be or as dry as they want to be.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wet-hens.1442537/ (My ladies were fine after this).

 

[notherearenttoomany]

Could we see pictures of your coop to see what you mean by mostly inclosed? But, no, don't add heat.

 

[aart]

Should be fine with the access door closed.
Does the pop door close?
If not, might want to block it if a strong breeze is flowing thru it.

 

[Nigel27]

I wonder if this advise also relevant for -20 temps?

 

[Mrs. K]

I would not add heat, mine have lived through - 35, although at that temperature it was tempting to close up the coop, but I didn't. And they were fine.

People often think that birds cannot take a big temperature swing, but mine do all the time. It is not uncommon for the temperature to swing 50-60 degrees or more in less than 24 hours.

 

[2knoxs]

Great question. Thanks for asking it. Im just North of Houston. This weather is nuts but so typical for Texas, crazy weather!