DO MY CHICKENS NEED A WINTER HEAT LAMP?

For many years, chicken aficionados have argued about the merits of different types of heat lamps. Some people contend that keeping a winter heat light in the coop boosts egg production in addition to keeping the chickens warm. Others believe heat lights are harmful and useless.

Without a doubt, heat lights may be quite harmful. For a chicken to unintentionally fly up and hit the light or for a little particle of shavings or dust to instantly catch fire, not much is required. There are horrifying tales of heat lights setting chicken coops on fire with no survivors every year.

PROS:

Warmer, drier coop and chickens

Prevents eggs in nest boxes from freezing

May slightly increase egg production

CONS:

HIGHLY DANGEROUS

Chicken will become less hardy, disrupting natural internal rhythms and changes.

Fire, fire, fire!

Backyard chicken keepers care deeply about their animals and just want what is best for their wellbeing. We err by failing to recognize that hens have different comfort needs than people. In comparison to humans, chickens are incredibly tough and sturdy animals that can withstand frigid temperatures far better. The average chicken has a body temperature of about 106 degrees Fahrenheit. They perch on their feet when roosting, wrapping warm feathers over their toes, and fluffing up to trap body heat.

If you do these three things, you will feel less inclined to use a winter heat lamp.

1. Pick your chicken breeds carefully.

Read up on the hardiness of the breeds before choosing them for your property. Each breed's description in Hoover's is followed by information on its tolerance for heat or cold. In chilly, northern states, cold-hardy breeds will do considerably better. They frequently have been developed to have larger, rounder bodies and feathers that are more insulating. Fall is when chickens molt, and as winter approaches, they begin to develop new feathers. They are intended to stay as warm as possible with these additional feathers.

2. Check the insulation levels in your coop. nonetheless, not stuffy

If you keep your coop well-insulated and draft-free, you'll never need a heat light. A little ventilation is beneficial, but the coop shouldn't be exposed to full-blown wind. Chickens' breathing causes the coop to get damp. Frostbite on hands, feet, and combs is really brought on by frozen moisture when the temperature drops below freezing.

A coop must have roosting perches off the ground and clean, dry bedding. On chilly evenings, the hens will congregate here to sleep. Shavings of pine make the nicest bedding. To stop drafts, try to pile bedding up along the edge of the floor. Hay shouldn't be used since it can mold in damp, humid winters. If your coop is in good condition, your hens won't need a lamp. Your hens will be comfortable inside even if it is snowing and windy outside. If they desire to, they should be allowed to leave at any moment.

If your coop has a window, make sure it is kept partially open to allow for circulation and reduce wetness.

3. Add more calories.

By giving your hens extra goodies that are rich in protein and good fats, you may speed up their metabolism and keep them warmer for longer. Black sunflower seeds, whole maize, crimped oats, and modest portions of canned tuna are a few examples of these "extras." To encourage your child's body to produce more heat during the chilly evenings, try offering them these healthy meals a few hours before bedtime.

You should generally avoid the danger of using a winter heat light.

The majority of wintertime issues may be addressed by choosing cold-tolerant breeds, having an insulated coop, and giving chickens more food. Chickens are well suited to surviving and thriving in the cold.

I've never used a heat light because I reside in Alabama. In fact, on some nights my females opt to sleep outside the coop on the roost in the run! You have to decide what's best for your flock!

Benwei chicken coop lighting for egg production