Tag: Homesteading

Winter Chicks in Phoenix AZ

Two Week Old Chicks Meet the Flock With Protective Mother Hen

Momma Raven with Dolly Parton

I wasn’t convinced that having baby chicks in December was a smart move, but my Silkie hen seemed confident, so I went along with it. As a seasoned mother hen, I trusted her, and even though the temperatures are cold at night, she has kept them toasty warm.
The chicks are now two and a half weeks old. She’s brought them out from their little safe house to meet the rest of the flock, and there’s been no drama, except for her overbearing protection of the babies. The other hens have been thoroughly warned to keep their distance, and they absolutely do.
It’s December, with daytime temperatures in the 60s and nighttime lows in the 40s. There’s no heat in the coop, but it’s fully protected from inclement weather. Throughout the day, she regularly settles in, allowing her babies to snuggle under her for warmth. At dusk, Mom gathers her babies and takes them back to their little safe house, where they snuggle under her wings in a nest box filled with fluffy bedding until dawn. Did I go out the first few nights to check if they were warm? Of course! Chicks Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn were warm as toast, so my backup heated brooder plan was unnecessary, however, the peace of mind was appreciated.

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No Heat Required: Keeping Chickens Safe and Comfortable in Winter

Chickens Are Built for the Cold, But Proper Shelter is Key

As temperatures drop, it’s common for chicken keepers to wonder whether they should add heat to the coop. In most situations, the answer is no. Healthy adult chickens are surprisingly cold-hardy and don’t need supplemental heat to get through winter. Their feathers provide excellent insulation, and they stay warm by fluffing up and roosting together. When we add heat, we prevent chickens from fully acclimating to cold weather, which can make them more vulnerable if the power goes out or the heat source suddenly fails.
The Danger of Heating a Coop
Safety is another big reason to skip added heat. Traditional heat lamps and space heaters are one of the leading causes of coop fires. With bedding, dust, feathers, and curious birds, the risk of accidents is real, and most coop fires happen at night. Even without a fire, heated coops can cause problems. Sudden temperature swings, like stepping from a warm coop into freezing air, increase the risk of frostbite and respiratory illness.
Radiant Heat Panels: Safer, But Still Usually Unnecessary
Radiant heat panels are often marketed as a safer option, and compared to hanging heat lamps, they can be lower risk. They don’t have exposed bulbs and provide gentle warmth instead of heating the entire coop. In special situations, such as caring for chicks, injured birds, or ill chickens, radiant heat can be helpful as a temporary, medical support tool. For most healthy adult flocks, however, they aren’t needed. They still rely on electricity, can fail unexpectedly, and may prevent chickens from fully adapting to winter temperatures.
What Really Matters is Ventilation
What matters far more than adding heat is a coop that’s dry, draft-free, and well ventilated. Cold air by itself isn’t the enemy, moisture is. Without proper ventilation, moisture from breathing and droppings builds up overnight, leading to frostbite, ammonia odor, and respiratory problems. The goal is to block direct drafts at roost level while allowing airflow above the birds’ heads, keeping bedding clean and dry all winter long.
Focus on good coop design, proper airflow, and overall flock health, and your chickens will come through winter just fine without added heat.

Cold Doesn’t Kill Chickens, But This Definitely Will

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Watch Hen Tuck Eggs Under Her

Cute video of my Silkie tucking her precious eggs under her while waiting for them to hatch. She doesn’t know they are fake eggs, in a couple of days it will be 21 days and the perfect time for me to sneak two chicks under her. This is her fourth brood, I guess she figures this is how the world works. Sweet.

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