Should You Have A Chicken Coop Heater? • The Farmer's Lamp

As we begin winter care of our chickens, the decision to introduce a chicken coop heater arises, bringing with it a layer of complexity and, at times, controversy within the community of dedicated chicken keepers. Far from a straightforward yes or no answer, using a chicken coop heater involves a nuanced understanding of various factors. Join me in navigating through these considerations, unraveling the intricacies that will empower you to make the most informed and compassionate choice for both you and your flock.

two black hens in the snow outside their chicken coop for the question about chicken coop heater

Determining If You Need a Chicken Coop Heater

With a family legacy spanning four generations of chicken keeping and my own extensive experience of over 45 years in raising chickens, the question of whether a chicken coop heater should be used or not is one that I’m consistently asked.

In the realm of poultry care, opinions are often polarized, with some staunchly advocating for or against using heat. While I respect the convictions of those in both camps, it’s crucial to emphasize that this isn’t a straightforward yes or no question. The decision involves an evaluation of numerous factors to determine what suits the unique needs of you and your flock best.

It’s important to clarify that chicken coop heaters don’t aim to replicate the cozy warmth we provide in our houses. Unlike human living spaces, where we maintain a substantial temperature difference between the indoors and outdoors, coop heaters serve a different purpose.

Their primary function is not to create a balmy environment but to elevate the coop’s temperature slightly. This modest increase serves crucial purposes – facilitating the drying of wet chickens and preventing frostbite. By maintaining a temperature differential that aids in these specific aspects, the heaters contribute to the overall well-being of the flock during colder periods without simulating a house-like warmth within the coop.

Breed Selection

The choice of chicken breeds plays a pivotal role in determining their resilience to winter conditions and answering the question about whether or not to have a chicken coop heater. When deciding which breeds to have on your homestead, consider their winter hardiness. Some breeds are naturally equipped to thrive in colder climates, possessing features that make them well-suited to withstand low temperatures.

Factors such as feather density, comb size, and overall size contribute to a breed’s ability to endure chilly weather. TFL Complete Guide to Successful Chicken Keeping can help you navigate the diverse world of breeds, shedding light on their unique traits, egg-laying patterns, and other essential information. Making an informed decision about the breeds that grace your homestead ensures a more robust and winter-ready flock.

red and buff chickens in the snow outside their coop with a chicken coop heater

Coop Setup

Bedding Choice
The choice of bedding in your chicken coop is a pivotal aspect of ensuring your flock’s comfort during the winter months. Aim for a depth of three to six inches, tailoring it to the specific climate of your region. Warmer climates may require less bedding, while colder ones benefit from a more substantial layer.

Roost Setup
The configuration of roosts in your coop plays a vital role in your chickens’ well-being during winter. Ensure that each bird has enough space, balancing coziness with roominess. This includes evaluating the proximity of the birds on the roost and considering factors like their size and breed.

Also, it’s important to place the roost away from the door so that it’s out of any draft.

Ventilation
Proper ventilation is a key consideration for a winter-ready coop. Chickens don’t need direct airflow over them. Cold winds are more damaging than cold temperatures. Instead, focus on efficient roof ventilation to allow the escape of excess moisture and gases. This helps in maintaining a healthy coop environment and preventing issues associated with high humidity and illnesses.

Flock Space Requirements
Understanding the spatial needs of your flock is crucial. The square footage required per bird depends on various factors such as flock size, bird size, whether or not they are free ranged or confined, and more. Ensure your coop provides adequate space, taking all of these into account.

The Farmer’s Lamp provides valuable information for constructing an ideal coop and answers all of these questions for you. Again, you will find all the information you need in our book Complete Guide to Successful Chicken Keeping and in our Poultry articles here on the website.

Environmental Concerns

Consider your local climate carefully, noting temperature variations, precipitation patterns, and sudden weather shifts. Assess the impact of rain, snow, or icy conditions on your chickens. Know whether your region is prone to severe weather conditions, such as storms or blizzards. These extremes can pose additional challenges for your flock’s welfare, influencing decisions on coop heating.

Temperature Variability
Consider the range of temperatures your region encounters during winter. Some areas may have mild days but extremely cold nights, while others experience consistent cold throughout. Understanding these variations helps in determining if you want to use a chicken coop heater.

Local Conditions
Consider any unique local conditions that may impact your chickens. We live in a microclimate, it took two winters of meticulous record-keeping to learn there’s a temperature difference of 10-20 degrees colder here compared to the predicted temperature for the nearest town.

Summers can be equally warmer. Regions with high humidity need distinct considerations from those in drier climates. Understanding the nuances of your local environment is key to effective winter care.

Feed Quality and Winter Nutrition

Ensuring high-quality feed and addressing winter nutrition is paramount for the well-being of your flock during colder months. Winter places additional demands on your chickens, requiring a thoughtful approach to their diet. You can read our complete guide to feeding chickens if you want more help with their diets.

Consider supplementing their feed with ingredients that offer extra energy, like mealworms or black soldier fly larvae. We supplement our chickens with winter squash such as pumpkins, butternut and spaghetti squash, and upper ground sweet potatoes, which we grow specifically for them. Learn how you can grow your own mealworms or BSFL for your flocks in our article.

Include fermented feed in your winter nutrition strategy to provide your chickens with a dietary source that goes beyond traditional offerings. Fermenting their feed not only enhances its nutritional value but also aids in digestion, making vital nutrients more accessible to your flock.

During the fermentation process, beneficial bacteria break down the feed, creating a nutrient-rich blend that contributes to your chickens’ well-being. Incorporating fermented feed into their winter diet supports efficient digestion, ensuring they receive essential nutrients.

You can learn how to ferment chicken feed and more about its benefits in our article.

white and gray chicken in front of a stone wall with white question marks around her for the question of chicken coop heater or not

Controversy Of Chickens Acclimating to Heat

There are many who argue that chickens could become acclimated to a heat source, rendering them unable to regulate their own body heat, it’s essential to understand the context of this concern.

The scenario in which chickens could lose their natural heat regulation abilities is quite specific, requiring a sequence of wrong chicken keeping practices and unfavorable conditions. This would involve prolonged and continuous exposure to a heat source within a confined space, spanning several days or even weeks.

In our practice of using a chicken coop heater, we adopt a controlled approach. We made the decision to only use a heat source when the temperature is below 20. We turn the heat source on at night and off in the morning as we go out to do chores. Our free-range birds benefit from balanced exposure to cold and slightly warmer temps which doesn’t compromise their ability to regulate their body temperatures.

It’s essential to note that if a flock has access to the outdoors during the day when it’s cold temperature and isn’t confined to a heated coop, the risk of losing natural heat regulation is virtually nonexistent. This possibility hinges on the simultaneous occurrence of incorrect chicken-keeping practices and adverse conditions.

Remember the purpose of chicken coop heaters we discussed earlier.

red rooster and two red hens outside their chicken coop

Heat Source Options

If you’ve decided to incorporate a chicken coop heater, let’s explore your options. What are the choices available to keep your flock warm and comfortable?

Red Heat Lamp

A classic option, the red heat lamp has always been what we’ve used for warmth in winter. However, this year, we’ve opted for a different approach, and we’re excited to reveal that to you shortly.

When considering heat lamp bulbs for your chicken coop, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between red and white bulbs.

Red heat lamp bulbs offer several advantages, emitting a spectrum of light that is less disruptive to chickens’ circadian rhythms, egg-laying processes, and other natural rhythms. For more information, you can read our post on egg laying and egg abnormalities.
The red light promotes better sleep and reduces stress making it a preferred choice for many.
On the other hand, white heat lamp bulbs pose concerns, as the bright light can disrupt sleep patterns, cause stress, and impact egg-laying due to the interruption of natural rhythms.
We would NEVER use white bulbs, especially during nighttime hours.

Heat Mat

The heat mat is another option for providing warmth in the chicken coop. While it’s not a method we’ve personally used, some homesteaders appreciate its benefits.

We’ve never used them in our coop because it has deep litter and placing a heat mat in this setup raises concerns for us about potential hazards. Every homestead has its unique considerations, and while heat mats work well for some, we’ve chosen to not try them.

If you’re considering this option, it’s essential to research thoroughly to determine if it aligns with your coop setup and overall preferences for heating solutions.

Chick Cozy Chicken Coop Heater

A modern and efficient approach for a chicken coop heater, the radiant heat heater stands out by offering warmth without subjecting your chickens to direct heat sources. This innovative solution maintains the temperature of coop objects instead of heating the air, guarding against frostbite, while incorporating safety features such as tip-over protection. It aligns with our commitment to providing a secure and comfortable environment for our flock during colder seasons.

ChickCozy Chicken Coop Heater Review

We were asked to try out the ChickCozy Chicken Coop Heater and of course, we were interested. The results have been nothing short of impressive. This radiant heat heater has become a game-changer in ensuring the comfort and well-being of our chickens during the colder months.

One standout feature is its radiant heating mechanism, which effectively warms the coop without exposing our chickens to direct heat sources. This not only prevents frostbite but also creates a cozy atmosphere that our flock seems to genuinely appreciate. The safety features, including tip-over protection, offer peace of mind, ensuring a secure environment for our birds.

Installation was a breeze, thanks to the clear instructions and all the necessary hardware provided. The flat surface and lack of exposed heating elements make it a safe choice for our inquisitive and curious feathered friends. Plus, the option to control the temperature using a remote adds an extra layer of convenience.

Surprisingly, one unexpected benefit we noticed was the prevention of water freezing. The ChickCozy Chicken Coop Heater helped maintain a more temperate environment for our chickens’ water supply.

As we continue to monitor its performance, the ChickCozy Chicken Coop Heater has proven to be a valuable addition to our winter care routine. We’re excited to see how it holds up throughout the season, and based on our current experience, we confidently recommend it to fellow chicken keepers looking for a reliable and safe heating solution.

The decision is yours, we just want to give you the information and let you make an educated decision.

Where to Buy ChickCozy Chicken Coop Heater

You can buy your ChickCozy Chicken Coop Heater using our link. Be sure to use code: thefarmerslamp at checkout for a 5% discount!

Buy It Here!

chickcozy chicken coop heater a black radiant heater

Wrap UP

The decision to use a chicken coop heater or not is a personal decision based on many factors. It requires taking into account breed characteristics, coop setup, environmental factors, nutrition, and suitable heat source options. Each element plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of your flock during colder weather.

Remember, chicken coop heaters aren’t designed to mimic the warmth of our homes. Unlike human spaces, where a significant temperature difference is maintained, coop heaters serve a distinct purpose. Their primary goal isn’t to create a warm environment but to provide a minimal temperature boost, aiding in drying wet chickens and preventing frostbite.

Whether you opt for a traditional red heat lamp or a modern radiant heat heater, understanding your flock’s specific needs and your local conditions is key.

Remember, the decision to use a heat source is a personal one, and we encourage fellow chicken keepers to gather information, weigh their options, and choose what aligns best with the unique needs of their flock.

May your coop be warm, your chickens content, and your winter care a success. Happy clucking!