When to add a heater?

[notherearenttoomany]

Texan here. We have a colder than usual cold snap upon us—teens and single digits are uncommon for us. We have several days ahead with very low (for us) temps with precipitation. The low Monday is 2 degrees.

My question is, do the girls need a heater?

Typically, the chickens are out roaming our property all day and in their mostly enclosed henhouse at night. They always have access to food and water. I assume it’s ok to let them out in the cold and they’ll find the shelter or warmth they need. Is that a right assumption? We had snow a few weeks ago and they loved it, but it was barely freezing. With such low temps being forecast, I’m not sure I’ll let them out in the precipitation.

Obviously chickens survive much harder winters, but my girls aren’t accustomed to it. Am I right to be concerned or worried about nothing?

 

[aart]

As long as they are dry and out of the wind while roosting they will be fine....
....no need for a heater.

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

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

 

[gimmie birdies]

I would say no, if people can and have raised chickens in Sweden with out heaters you will be fine. I did plug up some of the larger drafts though.

 

[notherearenttoomany]

the little opening circled is always open. I close the doors at night and leave the window cracked a bit usually. There is no draft on them when roosting, the coop stays dry. They have some ventilation up top and we’re planning to add a bit more.

 

[notherearenttoomany]

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

 

[MissMonty]

No heat needed as long as they're not getting blasted by the wind. They're smart cookies they'll be fine

 

[notherearenttoomany]

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

I posted pics below.

 

[aart]

I posted pics below.

They are a bit confusing, can you take some pics from farther back that shows the whole coop?

 

[LizzzyJo]

No heat - they'll be perfectly fine. Honestly, if you tried to add heat this quickly to a coop that wasn't designed for it you'll be more likely to burn down your coop than make your birds more comfortable.