To expand on the other person re: heat: not really but sort of. Dry and out of the wind, and make sure the water dish stays liquid (they make self regulating pads that are peck proof for ~$20).
Ive heard it’s actually bad to have the coop toasty, it screws up their biology to deal with the cold going from hot to cold.
I am in hardiness zone 4a in northern Maine. It’s gets VERY cold here. Water dishes will definitely freeze. They don’t have to be toasty, but I don’t think -20 or whatever is a good coop temperature?
YIKES. I’m where it can occasionally dip to - 8of but that is COLD.
Honestly, I’m going to say you should ask someone local, especially as there are breeds that do better at those temps. Also diet considerations.
I was originally going to echo building along side but at that temp I get it.
Some unsolicited tips: I imagine they may be pretty much staying in the shed all winter. You’ll need lights on a timer for any chance at egg production. Also be incredibly rigorous about pests. The raccoons here would reach under fences, pull the bird to it, and bring it out in pieces. Chickens basically live in a low budget horror movie.
Oddly there is, so far, very little wildlife in the area. I definitely expected a far different scenario. I have seen ONE deer in the back yard. And that’s it. Also, my neighbor across the street has chickens running around free all day. They don’t get eaten and they know to avoid traffic somehow! The shed has power, so I can just put some smart lights in there. I was thinking like a mini split to keep it above Hoth levels of cold.
Chickens will need some form of heat in the winter, yes?
Honestly I’m in Florida so it didn’t even occur to me. I’m glad you asked and others gave you better info!
To expand on the other person re: heat: not really but sort of. Dry and out of the wind, and make sure the water dish stays liquid (they make self regulating pads that are peck proof for ~$20).
Ive heard it’s actually bad to have the coop toasty, it screws up their biology to deal with the cold going from hot to cold.
I am in hardiness zone 4a in northern Maine. It’s gets VERY cold here. Water dishes will definitely freeze. They don’t have to be toasty, but I don’t think -20 or whatever is a good coop temperature?
YIKES. I’m where it can occasionally dip to - 8of but that is COLD.
Honestly, I’m going to say you should ask someone local, especially as there are breeds that do better at those temps. Also diet considerations.
I was originally going to echo building along side but at that temp I get it.
Some unsolicited tips: I imagine they may be pretty much staying in the shed all winter. You’ll need lights on a timer for any chance at egg production. Also be incredibly rigorous about pests. The raccoons here would reach under fences, pull the bird to it, and bring it out in pieces. Chickens basically live in a low budget horror movie.
Oddly there is, so far, very little wildlife in the area. I definitely expected a far different scenario. I have seen ONE deer in the back yard. And that’s it. Also, my neighbor across the street has chickens running around free all day. They don’t get eaten and they know to avoid traffic somehow! The shed has power, so I can just put some smart lights in there. I was thinking like a mini split to keep it above Hoth levels of cold.
No. People have been keeping chickens in some of the coldest climates for ages