Is it okay to heat my coop in the winter? I don't want my flock to suffer!
We really don't recommend you heat your coop - seriously! Our feeling is this isn't a good idea. Chickens adapt to the cold weather over time. Their body metabolism actually changes along with the seasons. When you heat your coop, the birds will never get used to the colder outside temperature -- so if the heat were to accidentally cut out causing a sudden change in temperature, you could literally lose your entire flock overnight. We've seen it happen.
ALSO, heated coops can catch on fire! We've heard from customers who have had this happen, who take all sorts of precautions. Just to make sure you take this seriously, please take a look at these three news articles from November and December of 2010 alone citing instances of coop fires:
Wenatchee, WA
Portland, OR
Boise, ID
That said, if you live in a really cold climate, there are a few precautions you can take!:
1. Protect combs and wattles from frostbite by rubbing on petroleum jelly or another heavy moisturizer every few days.
2. Make sure the water supply does not freeze! This is very important. Chickens cannot live long without fresh water. If you don't have electricity in your coop and therefore cannot provide a water heater, we recommend you bring the waterer into your house every night, and return it outside every morning. Check the water once or twice a day to make sure it's not frozen.
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