To Heat or Not to Heat the Chicken Coop? That is the Question!

Jan 7, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Mar 18

This is a very controversial topic among backyard chicken keepers—and for good reason.

As a general rule, we do not heat our chicken coop during the winter. However, there are occasional exceptions during periods of extreme cold.

When I say extreme cold, I’m referring to overnight lows of -15°C to -20°C, especially when combined with windchill. Those are the kinds of nights where some additional support may be considered.

Chickens Are Built for the Cold

Most winter nights, adding heat is simply not necessary. Chickens are designed to handle cold weather far better than we are.

Their average body temperature is around 107°F (41.7°C)
Their feathers act like a natural insulated coat
They fluff up their feathers to trap warm air close to their bodies

In addition, chickens generate their own heat internally. During colder months, they naturally increase their feed intake. This is important because:

👉 Feed = Fuel = Heat

The more they eat, the more calories they burn, which in turn helps keep them warm.

Winter Feeding: Quality Over Empty Calories

There’s a common belief that feeding scratch grains or cracked corn helps keep chickens warm. While it’s true they provide energy, they are primarily carbohydrates with little nutritional value.

Overfeeding these can lead to obesity, which brings on a range of health issues.

One of the biggest concerns is Fatty Liver Disease.

This condition occurs when fat accumulates around the liver. The tricky part is that you won’t see it just by looking at your bird—chickens can appear normal on the outside while serious issues are developing internally.

For this reason, a balanced, high-quality feed should always be the foundation of your flock’s diet, even in winter.

Heating the Chicken Coop: If You Choose To

Let me be clear—this is not about saying you should heat your coop.

This is about understanding that some people will choose to, and if that’s the case, it needs to be done as safely as possible.

Why Heat Lamps Are Dangerous

Heat lamps are still widely used, but they come with significant risks.

Even if they are securely installed:

Chickens can fly or flap into them
A typical 250-watt heat bulb can reach temperatures of 500°F (260°C)
Bulbs can shatter, sending hot glass into the coop
Litter (especially pine shavings or straw) can ignite quickly

Chickens also produce a lot of dust and dander, which increases fire risk around hot electrical devices.

Just because heat lamps are sold in stores does not mean they are safe.

👉 When we know better, we do better.

A Safer Heating Option: Oil-Filled Radiator Heaters

If you absolutely feel the need to add heat, a radiant, oil-filled heater is a much safer alternative.

How They Work

Oil-filled heaters warm oil inside a sealed unit. That heat is then slowly radiated into the surrounding space.

Unlike traditional space heaters:

There are no exposed heating coils
They provide gentle, consistent heat
They significantly reduce the risk of overheating or fire

This is the type of heater we personally use in our coop during extreme cold.

How Much Heat Is Too Much?

This is where many people go wrong.

🚫 Your coop should not feel comfortable to you.

Chickens are cold-hardy animals. Overheating the coop can actually do more harm than good.

If it’s -20°C outside, you do not want the coop at +10°C
Large temperature swings make it difficult for chickens to acclimate
It can increase the risk of stress and health issues

What We Do:

We keep a thermometer inside the coop
When we add heat, we aim for around -3°C, sometimes colder
The heater stays on a low setting
Adjustments are made based on overnight lows

The goal is simple:👉 Take the edge off—not create a warm room

Safety Considerations When Using a Heater

Even with safer options, precautions are essential:

Placement

Keep the heater away from flammable materials like bedding
Place it in an open area, not touching walls or objects

Protection

Add a barrier around the heater to prevent contact from birds

Electrical Safety

Ensure your wiring can handle the load
Use outdoor-rated extension cords if necessary

Automatic Shut-Off

Always choose a heater with an auto shut-off feature in case of overheating or tipping

Frostbite: What You Need to Know

Frostbite can happen, especially on combs and wattles during extreme cold.

If you notice frostbite:

Do not rub or apply harsh treatments
It is essentially a cold burn and can be very painful

For pain relief, you can give:

Mix five adult aspirin tablets (325 mg) per gallon of water

What Helps Most:

👉 Slightly increasing the coop temperature to around 0°C to +1°C

This is far more effective than applying topical treatments alone.

If you see:

Oozing
Open sores

Then apply an antibiotic spray until the area scabs over.

Preventing Frostbite

Prevention is always better than treatment.

Final Thoughts

For most backyard flocks, heating the coop is not necessary.

But if you do choose to add heat:

Do it minimally
Do it safely
Focus on reducing extremes—not eliminating the cold

For especially cold nights, raising the temperature just a few degrees is the safest and most practical approach.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out or leave a comment—I’m always happy to help.

And if you're curious, this is the oil-filled radiator heater we personally use in our coop and recommend as a safer option when additional warmth is needed.