Winter is coming... Help!

[ChickenCanoe]

I've been doing chickens seven years and I've never had a problem with heat lamps. I also never said that they were necessary at 30 degrees, just that if she was concerned about them she could use one. Certain breeds are less hardy in the winter, that's why I asked her about breeds. Heating lamps aren't the only option, either. You could also get a heated wall pad that is designed to radiate heat, but it won't burn to the touch and it's less of a fire risk.

Wyandottes and EEs are pretty cold hardy birds. They would be fine without a heat source. A heated dog bowl will work fine. I don't know what shape your bowl is, but if you have trouble with them knocking it over or spilling it then you could try TSC. At least where I'm at, they have heated bowls that widen at the base to prevent spilling. Good luck this winter and happy farming!

Chances of fire notwithstanding.
I've been keeping chickens off and on for over 60 years. Never used heat and never needed it with over 30 breeds in temps down to negative 19F.
The OP lives where it doesn't get cold.
It is a waste of electricity since it is unnecessary and negates any benefit from raising chickens.
It may make chickens cozy at night but stresses them when they have to go out into the cold wind in the morning.
If it is extremely cold and the power goes out at night (which it does in winter) chickens accustomed to heat will suffer since they haven't been acclimated to winter nights.
It increases humidity and the possibility for pathogens to flourish.
Did I mention chickens don't need heat?

 

[AGirlAndHerChickens03]

You would seriously recommend putting a heat lamp in this tiny coop?:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...luxe-farm-house-chicken-coop-up-to-8-chickens

Where do you use heat lamps?
What is your climate/location?

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View attachment 1546855

I live up in northern Illinois. While I would NOT suggest a normal sized heat lamp for a coup of that size, there are smaller ones available. Like I said before, though, EEs and Wyandottes are cold hardy birds and wouldn't need a source of heat. Sometimes around here we can have snow in 30 degree weather, so that makes it seem colder. I don't know where all you guys live, but the weather is always crazy up here.

 

[AGirlAndHerChickens03]

Chances of fire notwithstanding.
I've been keeping chickens off and on for over 60 years. Never used heat and never needed it with over 30 breeds in temps down to negative 19F.
The OP lives where it doesn't get cold.
It is a waste of electricity since it is unnecessary and negates any benefit from raising chickens.
It may make chickens cozy at night but stresses them when they have to go out into the cold wind in the morning.
If it is extremely cold and the power goes out at night (which it does in winter) chickens accustomed to heat will suffer since they haven't been acclimated to winter nights.
It increases humidity and the possibility for pathogens to flourish.
Did I mention chickens don't need heat?

Don't you have trouble with frostbite?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Not with hens as long as I have good ventilation with windows wide open.
Large combed Mediterranean breed roosters that aren't meant to be subjected to these conditions sometimes get frostbitten.
Protecting birds from cold allows humidity to increase. High humidity in freezing temperatures is the source of frostbite.

 

[AGirlAndHerChickens03]

Not with hens as long as I have good ventilation with windows wide open.
Large combed Mediterranean breed roosters that aren't meant to be subjected to these conditions sometimes get frostbitten.
Protecting birds from cold allows humidity to increase. High humidity in freezing temperatures is the source of frostbite.

What if I don't have very good ventilation?

 

[rosemarythyme]

What if I don't have very good ventilation?

See about adding some if possible then, before winter's fully upon us. Preferably you want to place some vents up high, as warm, humid air rises.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

What if I don't have very good ventilation?

How do you prevent respiratory disease?
Lots of fresh air is more important than clean water and fresh feed.
These are outdoor animals that only have coops to protect from predators and keep them dry. They evolved from jungle fowl who's native range extends to the Himalayan foothills.
Most were developed in the last few centuries in very cold climates long before there was a means to keep outbuildings warm. Most of the breeds we keep are genetically adaptable to a wide range of climates. And by extension, most breeds handle cold much better than heat.
I've lost birds to heat but never one to cold.

 

[AGirlAndHerChickens03]

How do you prevent respiratory disease?
Lots of fresh air is more important than clean water and fresh feed.
These are outdoor animals that only have coops to protect from predators and keep them dry. They evolved from jungle fowl who's native range extends to the Himalayan foothills.
Most were developed in the last few centuries in very cold climates long before there was a means to keep outbuildings warm.

They only stay inside at night. I have two small windows on the coup and small vents at the top, but they don't do great at ventilating. Just have to clean it out a lot. I let them free-range almost every day, that way I can leave the side door open to get some air running through it.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If they are in a closed building at night, they are without ventilation.

 

[AGirlAndHerChickens03]

Their

If they are in a closed building at night, they are without ventilation.

Their windows are open, because they are screened. Their vents are also open. I can't open anything else because last time I left the run door open one of my roosters got attacked by a critter. He had a bloody gash on the back of his head, but he lived.