Is Electricity Right for Your Chicken Coop? Here’s How to Decide!
Ever considered giving your coop a modern makeover with electricity? Electricity could be an amazing upgrade you’ve been looking for! Sure, chickens are fairly self-sufficient, but a sprinkle of electrical features can make feathered friends comfy.
So, should my chicken coop have electricity? Yes, Electricity offers conveniences like lighting and heating. Get electricity from warm winters to extended daylight hours for extra eggs. But it also brings along costs and potential drawbacks. You may also need an extension cord! Yet, before jumping to conclusions, it’s crucial to weigh the drawbacks.
Want to learn the pros and cons of electricity in chicken coop? Let’s dive in to get your answer with a proper explanation!
Table of Contents
Should My Chicken Coop Have Electricity? Pros and Cons!
Yes, while chickens are pretty low-maintenance creatures, electricity can offer some great benefits. However, the decision to provide electricity in your chicken coop depends on several factors.
There are so many advantages and disadvantages of keeping electricity in a poultry coop. Let’s find out why you should and shouldn’t have chicken coop electrical wiring.
Why Does Your Chicken Coop Need Electricity?
Electricity can elevate your coop from basic to brilliant for both you and your feathered friends.
Winter Warmth
During cold months, electric heat lamps can keep chicks warm and cozy. This helps them stay healthy and happy, and it might mean fewer chicken illnesses.
Water Accessibility
Electricity allows you to use a water heater base to prevent waterers from freezing during winter.
Dehydrated chickens can suffer, especially when they’re in freezing temperatures. Having electricity ensures your chickens have access to fresh water all day.
Extended Daylight
In winter, hens lay fewer eggs because the days are shorter. But with coop lights, you can make it seem like the days are longer. This tricks the hens into laying more eggs, so you have eggs all year round!
Improved Ventilation
When it’s hot, electric fans can help cool down the chicken coop. They move the air around, making it easier for chickens to breathe. Fans also get rid of bad smells and moisture, which keeps the coop clean and healthy.
Enhanced Egg Production
While not essential, installing lights in your coop can boost egg production.
Darker winter mornings and evenings can lower egg-laying hormones, resulting in fewer eggs. If your goal is to maximize egg production, adding light can be beneficial.
Automatic Coop Doors
Electric coop doors are like magic! You can set them to open in the morning and close at night. So, you don’t have to wake up early to let the chickens out. It’s easier for you, and it keeps the chickens safe.
Better Visibility
With coop lights, you can check on your chickens at night without any trouble. This helps you make sure they’re okay and lets you collect eggs after dark.
Time-Saving Efficiency
In winter, water can freeze, but not with electric water! They have heaters to keep the water from freezing, so you don’t have to change it every day. Your chickens always have fresh water, even on the coldest mornings.
Security Cameras
You can use security cameras to keep an eye on your chickens from far away. This helps you make sure they’re safe, and it might scare away animals that want to hurt them.
Entertainment Options
Some chicken owners play music for their chickens with radios. It might sound funny, but it can actually make the chickens less stressed. Happy chickens mean more eggs!
Suggestions to keep in mind when you use electrical wiring in the chicken coop –
Circuit Ampacity:
- 15-amp circuit for lighting
- 20-amp circuit for lighting and heater
Wire Size:
- #14 wire for a 15-amp circuit
- #12 wire for a 20-amp circuit
Cable Type:
- UF cable for underground burial
Conduit
- PVC rigid Schedule 40 electrical conduit (not plumbing fittings)
- 3/4″ diameter for easy wire snaking
- Buried 18″ deep with conduit, 36″ deep without
Feeding the Circuit
- 14/2 w/gnd UF or 12/2 w/gnd UF cable
- GFCI-protected outlet or connection to a circuit breaker
Safety:
- Consult a licensed electrician if unsure about DIY installation
- Read DIY electrical guides before attempting installation yourself
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Keep Electricity in Chicken Coop?
While electricity offers a coop upgrade, it’s not without its downsides. Here’s a closer look at why you might hold off on hiring an electrician:
1. Costly Commitment
Setting up electricity in your chicken coop can be expensive. You’ll need to spend money on wiring and buying electrical equipment. Plus, don’t forget about the ongoing cost of using electricity, especially if you’re using things like heat lamps or extra lights.
2. Power Play
Sometimes, the power goes out, and that can cause problems for your chickens.
If your coop relies too much on electricity, it can be a big issue during outages. Your chickens might get cold or stressed, especially if it happens at night. Depending only on electricity can put your chickens in danger during these times.
3. Safety Concerns (Fire Hazards)
Using electricity in your coop means there’s a risk of fire.
If the wiring isn’t done right or if cords get damaged, it can lead to fires. This is especially dangerous if your coop has flammable bedding or nesting materials. Making sure everything is installed correctly and checking it regularly can help lower this risk.
4. Dependency on Electricity
Once you start using electricity, your coop relies on it.
If the power goes out or something breaks, it can mess up important things like water heaters or lights. You’ll need backup plans, like replacing water manually when the power’s out, to keep your chickens safe.
5. Not for Everyone
If your chickens have plenty of space and the weather isn’t too extreme, you don’t need electricity.
Simple designs that use natural light and airflow can work just fine in these situations. It’s important to think about whether electricity is really necessary for your chickens’ happiness and safety.
Considerations for Decision-Making Before Using Electricity in Chicken Coop
Thinking about electrifying your coop? Great! But hold your chickens! Here’s what to consider before the decision.
Cold winters? Heat lamps might be a must. Scorching summers? Fans could be a lifesaver.
Flock Size? More chickens often need more light and ventilation.
Busy mornings? Automatic coop doors are a dream come true!
Budget? Wiring, lights, and fancy gadgets can add up. Plus, there’s the electricity bill to think about.
No power, no heat? Consider backup options if your climate is harsh.
Safety First! Proper wiring and rodent-proofing are key to avoid fires and chewed wires.
The following video can help you decide about electricity access to the chicken coop.
5 Alternatives to Electricity for My Chicken Coop
While electricity offers a range of benefits, it’s not always necessary. Here are some alternative solutions you can explore for your coop.
1. Light
You can place windows strategically for natural daylight. Also, the Solar Lights can be great! Charge during the day, providing illumination at night for quick checks.
2. Heat
Deep Litter Method is a gift! Adding organic materials generates heat, keeping chickens warm. Also, proper insulation retains daytime heat, ensuring coziness.
But be sure you seal cracks to prevent drafts and maintain warmth.
3. Ventilation
Adequate vents remove moisture and fumes without creating drafts. Utilize windows and vents for natural airflow, ideal for warmer climates.
4. Water Access in Winter
You can get heated waterers (Non-Electric). Use insulation or chemical reactions to prevent freezing. Surround waterers with insulation like straw to slow freezing.
5. Automatic Coop Doors (Alternatives)
The automatic coop door opens at sunrise and closes at dusk, offering basic automation. You’ll also get gravity-based doors. The flaps open in the morning and close behind chickens at night, relying on gravity.
Related Articles:
- Is Free-ranging Chickens Good
- 9 Best Chicken Run Roof Ideas
- Guides to Make DIY Trampoline Chicken Coop
FAQs
You can check more facts about chicken coops and the importance of electricity.
Q. How to heat the chicken coop in winter without electricity?
A deep litter method (composting bedding) and a well-insulated coop with sealed drafts are best.
Q. How do you light a chicken coop without electricity?
Strategically placed windows for natural light or solar lights can charge during the day. It also provides nighttime illumination.
Q. Do free-range chickens need electricity or heat in their coop or run?
Free-range chickens typically don’t need electricity for heat. A well-built, dry coop with proper ventilation keeps them safe in winter!
However, if there’s no electricity for a heater, you’ll have to bring in fresh water. It must be many times a day to stop it from freezing.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to electrify your chicken coop is a big choice. While electricity can offer many benefits like warmth and convenience, it also comes with costs and risks. It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Consider factors like your climate, budget, and the size of your flock.
Remember, there are alternatives to electricity, like natural light and insulation, which may suit your needs just as well. Ultimately, prioritize the safety and comfort of your chickens when making your choice.
