Winter is coming...

[Ninjasquirrel]

Its almost here. I can see the writing on the wall. Leaves falling...temperatures dropping. It will be here before we know it and my birds are not ready. We have run an electrical line out to the coop to be able to run various devises but have yet to decide on what to use. We know we want a light on a timer to insure egg production. We are not decided on a heat source but we know we want something for the water. We have had mild winters and harsh winters so id like to have a heat source connected to a thermometer so it only kicks on at a certain temp. As far as water we were thinking of using pvc with water cups.

Please post what works for your birds. Im continuing to do my research and im sure this is a topic on a lot of newbies minds.

Heres our coop in case you need a photo. We only have 8 birds. The inside is not insulated

 

[WhiteWyan]

You're going to need something to thaw your drinkers at least.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Your profile doesn't have your location and neither does your post so it is hard to give definitive advice till one knows your climate.

The drinker cups won't work below freezing. They'll burst unless you heat the building and any space that water is in the pvc.

 

[SueT]

Where do you live? Adult chickens do not need supplemental heat. They need ventilation to prevent frostbite.....

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Your profile doesn't have your location and neither does your post so it is hard to give definitive advice till one knows your climate.

The drinker cups won't work below freezing.

My apologises. Climate zone 5 i believe northern indiana

 

[ChickenCanoe]

How many birds do you have? The coop looks tiny and with almost no ventilation.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

How many birds do you have? The coop looks tiny and with almost no ventilation.

There is ventilation on the south and north sides. We are thinking of installing computer fans on the vents to blow are out. As stated above we have 8 birds

 

[ChickenCanoe]

For just a few birds, a rubber bowl with a birdbath heater will work just fine for liquid water.
The building must be a lot bigger than it looks. What are the interior dimensions/square footage?

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

For just a few birds, a rubber bowl with a birdbath heater will work just fine for liquid water.
The building must be a lot bigger than it looks. What are the interior dimensions/square footage?

Floor plan is 16 sqft. 6ft tall to the peak. We were thinking an aquarium heater with the cup system but the bird bath heater is an excellent idea

 

[SueT]

I use a heated dog bowl.