Where to put a heat lamp?

[Reeser13]

Trying to think ahead for winter... Where would be the best place in this coop to put a heat lamp or will they even need one? Winters in Colorado are weird and can be in the negatives one day and the 70s the next. We plan on putting straw in the nesting boxes.

 

[Graidyn]

I would do everything possible to eliminate the heat, it's such a huge risk. Maybe just insulate the coop and then they should fine for winter? That's what we're doing, insulating so it'll hold their heat in well and making sure it's well vented. Our winters are much like yours.

 

[DobieLover]

You don't need heat and you don't need to insulate.
You need DRY and VENTILATED.
You are sorely lacking in the ventilation department.
How many birds and what size are you planning to keep in that tiny coop?
Your run is very undersized in relation to the coop. Are you adding on to it?

 

[Graidyn]

You don't need heat and you don't need to insulate.
You need DRY and VENTILATED.
You are sorely lacking in the ventilation department.
How many birds and what size are you planning to keep in that tiny coop?
Your run is very undersized in relation to the coop. Are you adding on to it?

Not to hijack, but I know you live not far from me - we don't have to insulate? They'll be okay through the winter? Mine are still in their brooders in the house, but we were planning to insulate their coop this weekend.

 

[Annastin]

Trying to think ahead for winter... Where would be the best place in this coop to put a heat lamp or will they even need one? Winters in Colorado are weird and can be in the negatives one day and the 70s the next. We plan on putting straw in the nesting boxes. View attachment 2062117View attachment 2062117View attachment 2062118View attachment 2062119

We live in Montana so are winters are crazy to, I just use heating pads because they are alot safer and it keeps them nice and warm. And I would put ot on the nesting box depending on how many chickens you have.

 

[CindyinSD]

I live in the Black Hills, SD. At least as cold as you. You don't need a heat lamp or insulation, but as others have said, you'll need a bigger run and better air flow in your coop. I'd also add that more interior space is a big plus if they're gonna end up spending days at a time in the coop due to high winds, deep snow, super cold weather that we do get on occasion (like the minus 30s & 40s, esp with wind) You don't need insulation or heat even then, but space to move around is a biggie, as is natural light. Of course I don't know your expected headcount on chickens. Generally the recommendation is 4 sq ft per bird. You can do less in a summer tractor from which they'll be let out each morning and the tractor moved; you'll need more in a winter coop where they might need to stay inside for longer periods.

 

[DobieLover]

Not to hijack, but I know you live not far from me - we don't have to insulate? They'll be okay through the winter? Mine are still in their brooders in the house, but we were planning to insulate their coop this weekend.

Totally fine.
I realize we had a non-winter this year but last year my flock was fine through down to -17F. Dry thick bedding and lots of ventilation.
I also keep a heated waterer at chest level to minimize wattle dunkage and them stepping in it and then freezing their feet.
I keep a second heated horizontal nipple waterer in the coop at chest height.
Their current coop

 

[Graidyn]

Totally fine.
I realize we had a non-winter this year but last year my flock was fine through down to -17F. Dry thick bedding and lots of ventilation.
I also keep a heated waterer at chest level to minimize wattle dunkage and them stepping in it and then freezing their feet.
I keep a second heated horizontal nipple waterer in the coop at chest height.
Their current coop
View attachment 2062358

That's awesome, thank you! Your coop is beautiful! Mine isn't as big and we built a large ladder roost that will have a clean out board. It hinges up for easy cleaning. We're converting a shed so putting in windows this weekend as well.

 

[CindyinSD]

Totally fine.
I realize we had a non-winter this year but last year my flock was fine through down to -17F. Dry thick bedding and lots of ventilation.
I also keep a heated waterer at chest level to minimize wattle dunkage and them stepping in it and then freezing their feet.
I keep a second heated horizontal nipple waterer in the coop at chest height.
Their current coop
View attachment 2062358

THAT is a wonderful coop. I wants it!!!

 

[DobieLover]

That's awesome, thank you! Your coop is beautiful! Mine isn't as big and we built a large ladder roost that will have a clean out board. It hinges up for easy cleaning. We're converting a shed so putting in windows this weekend as well.

Mine is a shed conversion.
Before:

After: