- Sep 18, 2009
- 9
- 0
- 7
We have four chickens, a Rhode Island Red, Bar Rock, Buff Orpington and one of unknown breed. All are, I am told, cold hardy.
My question. Do we need to have a light in the coop for warmth this winter? We live in Colorado Springs, CO and it can get pretty cold every now and again.
I've read that providing heat can "soften" the chickens and they then become accustomed to the heat. I've also read that providing heat is a necessity. So what's your take?
Thee is electricity available to keep their water from freezing and I can easily run a wire for a lamp. If we need heat with a simple incandescent bulb do the trick?
On the really cold days do I still let them out of the roost? I could put water and food in the roost if needed.
Does the roost need to be insulated? It's not currently free of drafts, does that matter?
Can you tell we are new to this and have loads of questions?
Thanks in advance for your help,
Steve
My question. Do we need to have a light in the coop for warmth this winter? We live in Colorado Springs, CO and it can get pretty cold every now and again.
I've read that providing heat can "soften" the chickens and they then become accustomed to the heat. I've also read that providing heat is a necessity. So what's your take?
Thee is electricity available to keep their water from freezing and I can easily run a wire for a lamp. If we need heat with a simple incandescent bulb do the trick?
On the really cold days do I still let them out of the roost? I could put water and food in the roost if needed.
Does the roost need to be insulated? It's not currently free of drafts, does that matter?
Can you tell we are new to this and have loads of questions?
Thanks in advance for your help,
Steve