likeastar--x Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 (edited) My dad just bought a heater for the chickens at christmas. They live in a 3some in a wooden coop fit for 6 chickens. is this a good idea? ive always been worried about them getting cold or wet, but when i pick them up and feel under their feathers sometimes and they are BOILING. but is it different in winter? the heater will go in the coop and will only be switched on when it is really cold in the winter. i know they dont technically NEED it but would it help or just be a nuisance??? Edited September 26, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 No heating needed. The eglu or cube is designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. My chooks were fine last winter whatever the weather. My only recomended purchase for winter is a run cover (or shower curtain) so they can play in the run out of the driving winter rain. Oh and a dust bath in the run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 They don't need any extra heat! Chickens have a higherbody temp than us humans so are more at risk of overheating than getting cold. Only help they need is a bit of vaseline on combs if they have a very big comb and the temp is likely to drop below -10! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 I agree....they don't need it. What sort of heater? Would it be safe do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piptiddlepip Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 They're already wearing a duvet each! Imagine four people wrapped in duvets shut in a nestbox - you'd still be baking even in the coolest weather! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Hello there. It's a kind gesture but they really are fine and could over heat so good for you for posting and asking. Very sensible. Maybe you can use the heater to keep warm but the chickens will be fine with their house and feathers Maybe your dad can take it back and get them something else Buffie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
likeastar--x Posted September 26, 2008 Author Share Posted September 26, 2008 the chicks i got the heater for are in a wooden coop until i get my eglu, which wont be until next year. thats why we got a heater as the wood is a poor insulator or something. the heaters very safe and theres no chance of like it being flammable or burning the chicks or anything. this would only be used in real extremes of cold like frost or snow. i dont know if this makes a difference? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 No heater required... hens survive outside in much lower temperatures than we have in the UK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 That's right, only in temperatures consistently below 10 degrees C might there be a need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 I lived on South Georgia until I was nearly three and my Mum and Dad had chickens there. The snow used to completely cover the bungalow in the winter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 One of my sisters' freinds lives in Alaska, and she used very minimal heat. She had hers for several years, and the house was wooden. Wood is naturally insulated enough. I wouldn't worry at all; they will get used to it and grow more down over the winter. Best thing is to make sure they go to bed with a full crop in cold weather: afternoon feed of corn is good for heating them up in the winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
