Winter help

[Soleil_A]

Hi, I am new to BYC and I have a pretty big coop and a small run connected to it. I have two chickens a one and a half month old astralorp and a 6 Month Old Rhode Island white. I live in Michigan and it can get pretty cold and winter is approaching. My coop has a chicken wire bottom but is wood all around under it there is a gate with three sides so they can’t escape but there is a big run connected to the left side of it. if it were to snow it would go up into the coop. I have a big 5 gallon water thing and a small feeder. I will probably be getting a bigger one soon. So my question is how can I keep my water not frozen? And will my chickens be OK if there’s only two of them in the winter time? How can I keep them warm?

 

[cavemanrich]

First...
It would help greatly if you posted a picture of your setup. If you are going to get snow inside your coop, that is no good. You may have to modify things. Important things for chickens during winter are; stay dry, and no drafts, but sufficient ventilation. Your younger chicken should be feathered out already, so when cold arrives soon, it should be OK. Your chickens are a cold hardy variety. Here is a link I posted in regards to water during winter.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/winter-water.1204881/#post-19108462
Read the whole thread.
If you wanted to provide heat, it can be done. I suggest using a heating pad rather than a heat lamp. Heat lamps have been known to cause fires. If you go that route we can discuss that further. There are threads that show how peeps use them inside their brooders. Yours would be a modified version of such.
WISHING YOU BEST......

 

[Hokum Coco]

So my question is how can I keep my water not frozen?

This question has been well covered by other members. If your temperatures are not too severe a simple addition of sugar will lower the freezing point of water.

My method for dealing with winter is quite simple one extra feeder of whole corn. I live in Canada subject to -40º. I have 67 trips around the sun. I have raised various types of chickens and birds for decades.

TLC still has to be provided to birds that may not be adapting well to the diet. For the most part birds are vocal happy and do just fine. NO HEAT NO EXTRA LIGHT please and thank you works fine for me and my flock.

If for any reason you find it necessary to supply electricity to your coop via extension cord.

Please employ a "Ground Fault Outlet" also use a "Safety Chain" in conjunction to any heat lamp or incandescent bulb after mounting.
One coop fire is too many and these precautions could be the difference.

A simple action such as a rodent chewing on your extension cord could be the cause of a coop fire and a ground fault circuit could be the difference in witnessing your coop in tack or a pile of smoldering ash.

P.S. There are now a variety of ground fault extension cords available in major retail centers that also would be a wise investment.

 

[TalkALittle]

If your temperatures are not too severe a simple addition of sugar will lower the freezing point of water.

Seriously? The OP is in Michigan where the average temp in January/February is 17°F. Do you know how much sugar will be needed to keep a 5 gallon waterer from freezing at that temperature?

 

[aart]

First...
It would help greatly if you posted a picture of your setup.

Ditto Dat^^^

This is what I use for winter water, just top off each day with about a gallon for 18 birds.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-heated-waterer-with-horizontal-nipples.67256/

 

[Soleil_A]

Ok, i will be getting home soon from school so i can take picture soon.

 

[Soleil_A]

I also have a big 8 gal waterer that has 2 cups at the bottom

 

[Soleil_A]

http://www.midlandhardware.com/2110...XHj9J8Qnbyo3N5RNZ6h8h3az8K0xLRqhoCsMMQAvD_BwE like this but bigger

 

[venymae]

I'd use a stock tank deicer in your 5 gallon and switch to horizontal chicken nipples as they don't retain the water when not in use and are not likely to freeze.

 

[Soleil_A]

Here are those pictures.