This week the temperatures have dipped into the 20’s. If you do not have your coop winterized yet here are some tips.
- Make sure your coop is not drafty. Caulk any gaps or cracks that might be causing a draft. Chicken coops need to be ventilated; however a draft across your ladies is no good.
- Add extra pines shavings to the bottom of the “inside house” part of the coop. A couple extra inches will help insulate the floor. Toasty chicken toes.
- Install a Digital Wireless Weather Thermometer Indoor/Outdoor. Now you will be able to check the temp inside the coop, from inside your house. I recommend this one an AcuRite Digital Wireless Weather Thermometer Indoor/Outdoor, 00604
- Heat lamps. Depending on the size and shape of your coop will determine how many you need. I recommend this one:
- Use it with a ceramic infrared heat emitter…No light just heat! Make sure you purchase the mesh safety cover so the hens don’t get too close.
Hook the whole system up to a Thermo Cube Thermostatically Controlled Outlet. This will turn the lamps on automatically at 35 and turn them off at 45.
You will read on the internet that chickens don't mind the cold...but as the curator of their lives it is your responsibility to keep them as safe and happy as possible. If you need assistance with your winterization project please contact me.
[caption id="attachment_146" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I don’t know where this photo originated! If it is yours contact me so I can give you full credit for being so awesome"]
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