will they be ok with NO heater in the low 30s????

[GoldenSparrow]

Hi all,
I need to know how cold is to cold in the coop at night for my 9 chickens? they sleep on two perches.
4 on one and 5 on the other.
its getting into the low 30s, and there all fluffed up.
I heard it depends on the breed. but I have no clue as to what breed they are? :sh

should I give them a heater?

will they be ok?

on of my little hens is molting ;doh
so I have a fleece coat on her. she doesnt have many feathers yet.

i am a bit worried tonight is so cold.
so will they be ok in the low 30s????

 

[groundpecker]

Yes, they should be ok. They will huddle together for warmth.

 

[GoldenSparrow]

ok thank you

even the one thats molting?

 

[NovaAman]

mine did fine when it was low 20s the other day. They poof up when the perch cuz the feathers act like insulation. Just be sure they have a constant water source that's not frozen.

 

[NovaAman]

Quote:
yup. Especially with her sweater.

 

[peterlund]

Quote:
Pic of the fleece coat would be nice..... THAT has me intrigued, as for the cold.. they will be fine. The ones without the cool duds might be jealous however.

 

[kuntrygirl]

They will be just fine.

 

[ScottyHOMEy]

It never really warmed up here today from last night's low, and never made it up to 20. Still, the ladies were as eager as ever to get out of the coop this morning go see what they could scratch up.

As the cold relates to breed and cold hardiness . . . those with smaller, tighter combs are less prone to having them frostbitten than those with larger combs and wattles.

 

[mississippifarmboy]

Have anywhere from 2 to 35 chickens per coop, have never provided heat. Ever. Temps have gotten below zero and never lost one due to the cold yet. I think they'll be fine as long as they are out of the weather and have plenty of ventalation.

 

[Judy]

Too cold is probably around minus 30F. Here's a good thread on this:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=421122

It's a long thread, but the first post says a lot, in itself.