To heat or not to heat? This the question on everyone’s lips in the chicken community. This topic has long been a source of debate in chicken quarters. Some say it’s not needed and that the artificial light can actually hinder the lifespan of chickens and certain measures can be taken to avoid this step.
The Chicken Coop heater solution is not some hotbed sauna for chickens. Some only provide partial heating, just enough so that your hens remain comfortable during the colder parts of the winter. Chickens are very adaptable creatures and a little cold won’t hurt them.
In this article we are going to turn the tables and take a look at the benefits of Chicken Coop Heating and when best to use these methods.
Let’s start the conversation with breeds first. Certain breeds of chickens enjoy the heat more than others, and if you are keeping such breeds in colder climates dropping below zero then Chicken Coop Heating may become a viable option for you.
For example – The New Hampshire Red works really well in the heat, Fayoumi is another breed that loves the tropical climates along with The Rhode Island Red. These types of chickens do extremely well in the 32 degrees Celcius and above bracket. So if you’re living in Nova Scotia with a warm breed chicken chances are you’re going to need a Chicken Coop Heater!
Now let’s flip the script and talk about the breeds that feel the cold more than others. Roosters and various other large Comb birds and Wattles can fan the heat away from themselves in the summer months but come the harsh winter months they are known to fall prey to frostbite.
Again, this is an excellent time to employ the use of the Chicken Coop Heater.
Egg Production
In order for chickens to feel comfortable chickens bodily functions need to be operating at maximum capacity. If your chickens are too cold they basically start to shut down, go off their feed and the eggs stop rolling in. Sometimes this happens because in ultra cold regions the water can freeze over.
When the chickens don’t have adequate water to drink there is no moisture for them to soak up the feed. This, in turn, leads to decreased egg production. If you have a heated Chicken Coop however this can keep the water from freezing over and allows your chickens to keep the eggs coming.
Cracked Eggs
If you live in brutally cold climates then having eggs that freeze over is never a good thing. What is the point of having chickens?! When eggs are produced the shell provides a protective case to keep bacteria and other nasties out. Frozen eggs crack in super cold locations which can lead to contaminated eggs that nobody can eat.
Frostbite
A great benefit to a Chicken Coop heater is avoiding frostbite in breeds that are susceptible to it such as the Wattles, and Combs. The frostbite creeps in from chickens being overexposed to icy elements.
It can cause the tissues around the feet of your chicken to fall off or become painful. Your older and perhaps sick chickens can also benefit by not having to expend so much energy ruffling feathers to keep warm in these colder months.
Lighting
Yes, lighting can be a reason for the decline in your chicken’s egg production. Come the winter months the number of natural daylight hours decreases, and your chicken’s don’t like that.
Chickens need about 14 hours of light in order to produce eggs. By having an artificial heat and light source in one they will not know the difference and continue their usual output. This light source doesn’t need to be over the top, it can simply be the heat from a 40watt light globe.
The Innovation Of Chicken Coop Heaters
A lot of the chicken talkback has been around safety aspects relating to overheating the chickens with brooder lamps and the danger of them catching fire due to dust, flying feathers and hay.
Thankfully newer Chicken Coop heaters have reached the market, such as Infrared heaters that switch off once they reach a certain temperature, allowing greater control and comfort for your chickens.
Hopefully, this article has laid to rest the heated chicken debate and emphasizes the pros of utilizing a Chicken Coop Heater in colder climates.
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