winter

[Kerrie Ann]

What are any ones thoughts on this subject - to light or not to light that is the question? I live in the eastern part of Ma will my chickens be ok with out a heat lamp? I have golden comments. Also what do you do about the water?

 

[citychickx6]

I am doing a heated waterer. No real additional light. I have a rope light in each coop on a timer that will just basically brighten up the day for them. I do not plan to heat the coops but I like having the option, we get spells here that can be 20 BELOW for the high. Those days don't come often and don't last long but still.

 

[Kerrie Ann]

Hey does anyone know how to change the thing under your name mine says" new egg " and I do not know how to change it. Thanks for the info.

 

[chicken grandma]

I use a light bulb that gives off a FULL SPECTRUM light during the day. My vet who is a zoo veterinarian recommended that to me. He says that it helps the animals at the zoo stay healthy through the winter.

I try to get my hens as much sunlight as I can also. I have a green house where they can go when the sun is out and of course anytime it is warm enough, I give them the option to get outdoors.

I also use a heat lamp when it is below 35 degrees. I use a red bulb in it and that is easier on the eyes for them. I definitely use the red heat lamp at night.
Sure they can survive but if a lightbulb in the day and a heat lamp at night makes their life good - why not?

Been doing that for 4 winters and never had trouble and I do make sure my lamp is secure to the ceiling and the bulb is gently but securely screwed in. I check it each and every day.
I also use a heated water bowl.

My hens live long and lay long! I had a 7 year old laying. You get what you give!

 

[ChicKat]

Hi Kerrie Ann,

This will be my first winter with my chickens and I decided not to light and see just what happens when nature takes its course.

Here is an answer to your other question from FAQs
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=190919

 

[Kerrie Ann]

OMG that is funny so I am a new egg.

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
Fire risk. Most chicken coops not built to meet code.

Bumping up caloric intake also helps birds keep warm. Continous supply of liquid water is prudent when most of intake is dry chicken feed.

 

[so lucky]

Quote:
It will change as you continue to make more posts. You will notice that everyone who has a certain range of posts has the same title. I think mine has changed twice.