Worried about my Chickens

[GSDBESTK9]

I have 12 chickens, 6 Red Sex Links and 6 Barred Rocks. They are now 6 months old. Tonight it is supposed to get to freezing temperatures. Are we supposed to put a heater in the coop? A heat lamp? Anything? The coop is well ventilated and we can close the door at night. They have not layed eggs in days, which I thought it is weird, is it because they are too cold? Please help!

 

[sourland]

Temperature has relatvely little impact on egg production - daylength does. As the daylength shortens egg production tends to decrease only to increase again in the spring as the days become longer. Chickens have ther own insulation they do not need heat in the winter (seramas and small breeds excluded from this statement.) People in Alaska maintain flocks without supplementary heat. A dry, well ventilated draft free coop plus adequate feed and water is all that they will need.

 

[JackE]

I'm also in Md, check out the pic below and calm down. The birds will be OK. My coop is uninsulated and unheated and the front of it is wide open year round.
Jack

 

[GSDBESTK9]

Thank you guys! This makes me feel so much better.