Winter worries

[Jason1004]

This will be my first winter with my girls, I was just wondering if I should by a heater for the cold days of winter for my coop.
Please advise?

 

[LRH97]

I've never heated my coops and it regularly gets down into the teens and sometimes colder with wind chills in the winter here. Everyone makes it fine every year. The thing I get concerned about is watching for frostbite on the roos and any hens with bigger combs. Also collecting the eggs early enough so they don't freeze.

 

[Jason1004]

Thats good to know, wasnt even thinking about eggs freezing. Thank you

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

Heaters are rarely required in chicken coops - only in very extreme climates should they be used. Otherwise, they are more likely to cause health issues than help, as the constant temperature fluctuations from moving in and out of the coop will stress the bird's systems. Chickens are really very cold resistant - just make sure the coop has plenty of ventilation and offer wide roosts so they can sit down and keep their toes warm, and they'll be fine.

 

[Jason1004]

Cool, so im probably being over protective.

 

[redsoxs]

Agree with the above...summer heat puts more pressure on birds than does winter cold. They are pretty tough critters. Good luck to you!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

Generally chickens can tolerate cold much better than heat. Do be sure your coop has sufficient ventilation

 

[ChickenChaser9]

Here is a wealth of winter weather info on chickens. Best Wishes.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/cold-weather-poultry-housing

 

[CuzChickens]

Hi there and welcome to Backyard chickens!!! I have actually been thinking about starting a winter thread just recently, what little DIY things people do to keep their water from freezing, how to keep them happy and a balanced diet even when there are no greens, keeping them warm. I thought it might be a nice thread for everybody to post on this winter. I will post the link to it once it is up and running! In the meantime! I hope you enjoy your experience here on BYC!!