Let There Be Light! | Heating the Chicken Coop with Diesel Fuel

[@ECole-le7we]

You are excellent, humane, scientific caretakers of your animals. In a fact sheet entitled, “Caring for chickens in cold weather,” the University of Minnesota Extension recommends: 1) Provide supplemental heat when coop temperatures fall below 35 degrees F. 2) …provide supplemental heat at the height of the nest boxes or lower rung of the roost." You have done all of this for the chickens in your care. Thank you. P.S. Your chicken videos are my favorite by far.

[@beckypincalifornia1985]

I agree! These are the best chicken caretakers I have ever seen. Gorgeous, happy, healthy chickens!!! A couple of years ago, they mentioned that they do not want to have human children. Didn't say why and none of our business. All I care about is they are doing their best to make a contribution to this world. Seems to me, they are. Love you two!

[@suedonald2583]

I love it when you cook on your videos with other content as well. You two are amazing

[@sandramarc4858]

Healthiest chickens ever!

[@AfterTheRains]

Must be the most cared for chickens in Alaska.

[@charles-y2z6c]

@@beckypincalifornia1985Healthy organically grown chickens produce best eggs and are the tastiest when it’s time to eat them.

[@TheSanderson1962]

Here y'all are walking around and working in 0 degree temps. I'm sitting in my house, 69 degrees, shivering like a hairless chihuahua. Bless your heart, y'all are super human!!

[@stephaniemahar6870]

Eric and Ariel, Excuse my language but how the hell do you know how to do EVERYTHING?. I am so impressed with you guys! 😊

[@stanleygallman7800]

I can say that throughout the years you have been able to keep all of the videos interesting with useful information and thoughtfulness as if your goal is to actually keep the viewers not only entertained but engaged with those things that you are doing. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@contactsuzi7096]

Well done! You've built a Chicken Condo Association with an outdoor covered patio!!! And it comes with plenty of amenities as well...lucky, lucky chickens. This was a very thoughtful build. You learned a lot from those early years. You two are the best and I wish a Moose for you this year. Chick Whisperers....my favorite people on YT. xo Suzi

[@nancycowan6109]

Can’t wait for the “final touches”. Curtains and art on the walls. 🤣

[@abc-ym8nt]

Two amazing people. Eric, is sooo handy, he can do everything and Arial is his right hand, smart, intelligent couple....wish you guys only the best!

[@suetoronto9993]

I love how you both learn from past projects that didn't work out and try to do things differently. You seem like endlessly curious individuals and that is a real blessing!

[@rockyflagg]

My parents love your channel. They have gone back to the beginning and are now watching every single episode. They laugh at the normal every day life you all live. Thanks for giving them joy. The Quinns. ( We think a blooper episode would be awesome.)

[@JimPeachley]

Consider drawing the diesel heater combustion air from outside rather than from the utility room. Drawing it from inside such a well sealed space can actually deplete the oxygen for the chickens. You could also install a 12v computer fan to circulate the inside air, maybe through the wall to expel some of that humidity, or you might find the door frozen completely shut. I'm sure the ladies (and gentlemen) appreciate and are enjoying their new luxury apartment. Good job

[@sandraengstrand2784]

Next level chicken coop!! Glad the chickens are happy!! 🐓🐓🐓💕

[@kathymc234]

Right? It's almost an Air BnB.

[@marianfrances4959]

​@@kathymc234😅

[@AuntieTrichome]

@@kathymc234I wouldn’t mind sleeping amongst the chickies 😂 It’s a 5 star coop.

[@kixigvak]

Happy chickens taste better

[@TheoriginalANGEK439]

That coup is now luxury for the chickens. Five star hotel. So lights do help with egg production. That’s excellent. Even the chicken run is better with the lights and the plastic roof. Great chicken welfare. You guys have smashed it. Well done ! 👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍❤👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥👍♥

[@hombredeacero3131]

Absolutely amazing opening of wildlife at the start of the video especially the color portion. I think the chicken you caught laying an egg was embarrassed. Amazed at how you care for all your critters from the cold and the predators. Great video

[@brittanyash8340]

Eric has the wisdom of an old man and the face of a young man. I love that you all are accomodating for your birds but also wanting to keep the temps balanced so that it isnt a shock going from warm to negative temps. Nice work you two! I love seeing the journey. It is so encouraging-- so much so that yesterday I skirted our old trailer with cement blocks that we had stacked around. 😂 Thank you both for all that you do. 🩷

[@AndreHuppe]

Fabulous job on the chicken coop

[@puirYorick]

Loved the trail camera capturing your snowy wildlife intersection at the start.

[@steveamerla5258]

Love what you have done here. I have learned a lot. You have given me some great ideas for my own place. I do have a tip for you. Have the lights turn on earlier and off before it gets dark out. The chickens naturally head to the roosting bars when light dwindles. Having the light turn off abruptly makes it difficult for them to roost. I have had birds fly into rafters and injure themselves. Keep up the great videos. God bless you and your family.

[@bobross5580]

I love the enthusiasm of Eric with these projects and his best friend there at the ready ! You have done so many things together in a seamless way (at least to me!) Watching your family of two make life happen is the most enriching time I have spent on KZbin!!! I am so thrilled when I see a new video come up, thank you for being real and bringing a smile to this old guy 🙂

[@dfg2936]

Love to see how you care and respect the chickens without making them your pets. Love how you brainstorm and figure things out, and how you plan out providing them with inside & outside options. This will be an interesting winter to see how this experiment works! Great job guys.

[@alanwilliamson2259]

Arguably the best kept, and cared for, chickens and dogs anywhere around. Brilliant work!

[@starbender4714]

., ''.

[@daveh7137]

You guys are SUCH hard workers and post such great content! We are really thankful that you share this with us!

[@GardeningwithPurpose329]

I have watched you guy's since the day you moved to Alaska and every time you two put up a video it's always different (which I love)! That is why your videos NEVER boring! Heating up the Chicken coop looks complicated but Eric making it look easy!.. 😍

[@Dovrizzo]

Your story-telling, directing, editing, and choreography has become SO good! Keep up the great work guys!

[@puirYorick]

Consider mounting the diesel tank on the adjacent wall instead for safety. I'm not sure how hot the heater body can get but, in case of a stray fuel drip during refilling, it's one less danger to worry about.

[@TheOtherBill]

I'd also consider moving the controller to the same wall but on the other side of the wall in the heated area. That way it can be set to thermostat mode and save having to monitor the temperature and turning the heater off and then on every day. Also, having it thermostatically controlled will make being away from home for more than a day a lot more convenient.

[@denisesummers3107]

I don’t think it’s strange at all. My husband and I are moving in the spring. We have been worried about our chickens and how we’re going to insure their survival and keep them healthy throughout the winters. Amazing job ! Thank you so much

[@katz5434]

So great to see the level of care and consideration given to the animals in your care! Amazing custom lighting and heating project, well done guys! 👏❤

[@gardeninggonewild4842]

You know guys, you could eventually use that chicken run as a greenhouse to plant seeds and start your garden starts in there. With the solar and the heater set up, you are all but ready to start planting. Your set up is Supreme. Your designs are amazing. What you have to share with the world is therapeutic. Good bless you two wonderful people. You truly are amazing. Thank you😊

[@marthaturki4891]

Scary, fox and the rabbit on the same trail.😳❤❤🐾🐾. Awesome job on the Chicken coop, they are so blessed!❤🐓

[@heatherclayton-callaghan4270]

Fox eats the rabbit= leaves the chickens alone ✅️

[@jenniferreilly4098]

I love the way you guys care for all your animals. Bo, Bandit, Pepper & the birds are living the life & I love seeing how happy they all are. ❤

[@susanrichards4844]

Love everything you’ve done to create an amazing environment for your chickens. 💕💕💕💕

[@debcross2335]

It seems like you have to do a lot of research on everything in order to function. Your lives are like living in the lower 48 but you are dealing with freezing cold, waning sun for months , making your own electricity... You amaze me with your constant learning and your drive to keep on. No laziness for you two. Kudos 😊

[@elsienorback7689]

Wow, what a beautiful cross fox. You guys have plenty of Wildlife in your yard. Nice!

[@k.p.1139]

Well, I'm proud of you two! The chickens did seem very happy with the heat. Just because they don't need it, doesn't mean you can't give it! I'm happy you did this for them.

[@amandalouise1604]

You two are so hard working. I am just working my way through all the videos from the beginning. Thank you for taking your time to share the beautiful state of Alaska with us. And a look into off grid living. My favourite videos are of course the FOOD, I am joking but I do love a good sandwich. 🥰

[@stanleygallman7800]

As a long time fan of the channel I can say that if you happen watch every episode from over the years and this journey begins! I just don't think that you will be at all disappointed. When I first came across the channel it had been up for a few months so I binge watched so that I could come up to speed and I wanted know how it all began and I soon found myself anxiously waiting for my notifications to show a new a new episode had posted from Simple Living Alaska they're warm adventurers coming across as showing a great deal of love 💕 compassion and understanding for one another. I still share their channel with friends and family and I believe that you may come to care for them as much as the other channel friends and supporters do as well. Enjoy

[@lorimiller9831]

i totally agree and have watched every episode twice through so far and am about to start on my 3rd time as i have a hard time waiting the 5-6 days for the next episode to pop up.

[@squashit339]

I love this! People always say chickens don't need heat, but there is nothing wrong with making your chickens comfortable instead of just barely surviving. More people could definitely take a lesson from this. I'm in Southern CA and my tom turkey visibly shivers in the mornings during winter. Good job guys!

[@marylouise890]

I totally agree with that! They are awesome 👏 I’ve also have watched, almost every upload From this AwESomE 🤩 folks! They have came a LonG wAY! I keep trying to find out if they still have their vacation cabin. Those Uploads are also EyE poPPiNg😅 👍

[@loribrocato145]

I love how well you take care of the chickens. You can tell how much you love all your animals.

[@tammyfletcher7667]

You guys have hearts of gold. Your rooster looked miserable poor guy. You are great examples to other people on how to treat animals, they feel pain and suffering like us. Your ingenuity is just unbelievable I'm constantly amazed at your ability to get things done. Oh and zip ties! I'll bet we have over 500 of them on fences, netting, etc. 😅 😊

[@joesphbest3120]

My favorite couple are hard at work taking care of the chickens making sure they stay warm this winter and it looks as winter is a pond them, I know they will get the job done as I know they won't give up until its done the way they want.😊❤❤👍🐔🐓🐓May the Lord Bless them in all they do.🙏

[@Chantal_4107]

A pond? I'm confused...

[@caroleseely9565]

@@Chantal_4107upon them. My guess would be it auto corrected to “a pond them.”

[@dorothyallen3614]

@@Chantal_4107he meant…winter is upon them…❤

[@drewlestersigrist5292]

I worry about chicken you said no coyote you want attack chicken let me know your comments so just let me know do you like all pets all animals and,

[@charlenegrady8781]

Lucky chickens. You take such good care of your animals. Thank you for sharing. Stay warm. I look forward to your next video. Take care✌️🥰🇺🇸

[@mscharylee]

All I can say is that you have done an amazing job on the chicken coop.

[@mariezafonte6473]

You have the happiest chickens in Alaska! Eric, there is nothing you can't do. Ariel, I want some of the apple cider. Have a good week.

[@janetdocherty712]

I’m in eastern Canada and have chickens too. I have scheduled my timer to turn lights on before the sun comes up . . . Not using timer to turn lights on in the evening because they need a natural slow light to dusk to complete darkness in order to find their perches at bedtime. If the light turns off suddenly they can’t find their way to the perches. I’m loving watching your KZbin channel and admire your versatility!

[@lindag4484]

Happy chickens! Glad to know you care about more than just the minimum for their survival. Substantial coop...should last a very long time.

[@sharonmaresh]

I'm impressed with the care your chickens receive and your survival skills. Awesome job, both of you!

[@laruedouglas7972]

I love how much you care about your chickens 🥰.

[@georgevangordon9728]

Having winters like what you guys have I think you did great.. chickens are people too 😁

[@ABNMPmama]

I JUST looked at subscriber numbers. Almost 750k?!? I remember when this community of viewers was tiny. I’m not sure how I feel about “sharing” you guys, but it makes me so happy that others enjoy you guys as much as I do. Any time I think any of my Oklahoma chores are hard, I think about my Alaskan friends and draw inspiration from y’all. 🤣❤️

[@athomewithjenny]

There's nothing wrong with happy chickens ❤ great job you guys. You really do work very hard for this channel and and in your home and property as great content and I'm pretty sure we all know it. Just want to make sure you knew we recognize that in you. ❤

[@dragonfly057]

That chicken house and chicken run turned out excellent I love it. No more frost toes and I loved Ariel’s tree stand.

[@marleneboyd7754]

Love the trail camera footage. Thank You for sharing.

[@Helenemonblogdefille]

Congratulations on this new awesome project done !

[@sallyhostetter2820]

Hi Alaska friends . What a great chicken coup. Happy chickens for sure.

[@rcclassiccrawlers4368]

You guys have made some major headway this summer, fall and now winter. Great job on the chicken coop heat and lighting.

[@suzannesnow7485]

Congrats, Eric & Arielle! A lot of thinking went into this project! I love how you plan, do, assess and adjust according to your findings. Then you are unafraid to share how you have evolved! You are Top Notch! ❤Simply The Best! 💞

[@saenole66]

The fox and hare were so cool. The coop is so well done, those chickens will thrive.

[@johnsutherland6322]

Eric is a very talented man no task to hard

[@sherry2836]

Wow, that rabbit was almost as big as the fox! As you have such long cold winters your chickens will love you for creating such a warm and toasty Hen Den! (You too Roo) And beautiful sunset!

[@dorothyallen3614]

Family, you’ve done a great kindness for your chickens, great job of it too 🎉. Love the wild life trail cam shots ❤

[@carolkantner1770]

What a lovely coop they have. You two are such caring people of animals.❤

[@eileenredfern8364]

Both of you are amazing. The way you care for your chickens is heartwarming.

[@newbly177]

We have chickens in a relatively cold environment in Michigan. We keep our coop heated and give them light 14 hours a day and egg production is pretty good all winter. But your coop and run is next level. 😀Best "backyard" coop and run I've ever seen! Well done, as usual, for you guys.

[@williej3831]

You 2 are the bets. Love that the chickens are taken so well cared of. All your animals are.

[@MrJulek53]

It's a great pleasure to watch your approach and passion in everything you do.

[@brian_atc]

You two are a great team! It's cool watching the continual improvements and your problem solving.

[@bernadettesingh6148]

A grande finale to the Chicken Coop - heating. You did get rewarded for your hard work E&A - 5 eggs. You are loving care givers to your animals. They are secure, warm and cozy for winter now. Just love you guys. Thanks for sharing, avid Australian fan.

[@RoxanneHill-mm4be]

I love how you love your chickens. They are lucky to have ya'll to take care of them.

[@BruceFreeman-qo7uf]

Please never forget what a special woman you have, she is your strength.

[@bradyspage]

If you ever use that exhaust wrap again, if you soak the roll in warm water to get it saturated first, then wrap it tightly, you get a much better result and a much tighter wrap when it dries.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thanks 🙂

[@ClanXmigo]

Good advice, that's worked well on my motorcycle in the past. Also consider direction when using the wrap. If exposed to the elements, begin wrapping on the low side first so rain is more likely to roll off, same as installing shingles (if that makes sense)

[@steph0xGx]

You guys are so awesome. I'm SO glad you guys bought a piece of land that truly enables you to live how you wanted to!! It was hard watching you run out of space and just trying to manage the lack of space you had before at the old property!! It felt like you were stifled and in about as much of a survival mode as your chickens were. It's nice to see you thriving now with endless opportunities! Excited to see how your land progresses over the next year!!

[@annstewart1983]

Top-of-the line coop, this is amazing. I admire your care for the chickens and what you guys have achieved in such a short time. You two kids rock!

[@RedRose-gm6px]

Babeeee them chickens be liviinnnggg life ❤. I love you guys so much, you care about every living thing and non living thing around you. Committed, caring, loving and dedicated. ❤❤❤

[@cherylmiller-day5932]

Your setup is awesome. Love how much you care for your chickens 🐔 ❤️. They will have a great winter.

[@Yesica1993]

Thank you for being kind to the chickens!

[@debrasaints3809]

Wonderful video! I just love watching you two fixing and improving things, especially in the chicken coop. That’s a neat set up for sure. The chickens will really be better off this winter. Maybe come up with a thermostat for that little heater so when you’re gone they’ll still be warm. Another idea would be heat lamps with timers when you go on hunting or fishing trips. It’s going to be interesting to see how they do over the winter in their new coop. That trail cam footage was beautiful. I’m looking forward to your next video. It’s looks like your all set for the winter. Sending love and blessings ❤️🙏🏼

[@madmac4185]

Magnificent job on the chicken coop & walk way. Awesome you 2. Nice to see climate education is still taking place amongst you as well. I'm sure the birds appreciate not freezing to death ;- ]

[@AutisticMorty]

Loved this video, and glad to see you are taking good care of your birds. Great work, guys! You could still add some ventilation fans to circulate the air too.

[@cathyjones3403]

Y’all have the BEST Videos ever. Love watching you both with all the things you guys build and create. ❤❤❤❤👏👏👏👏👏

[@johnarmlovesguam]

You're doing right by your chickens. Respect.

[@nancyn5324]

Im in awe! You guys are like, If it needs to be done, WE can do it!

[@debbiethompson9853]

You two are so awesome together!

[@2putts2win]

You guys are well prepared for winter! The two of you accomplished some huge projects this summer. Well done!!!

[@Fatatua]

You're an impressive duo, love the chickens, its been a great ride watching the coop come in to fruition.. 🐔🌞👍

[@deblarsen8528]

Hey Eric and Arielle! I loved watching your videos showing how you set up heat and lights in the chicken house and run! If I was a chicken I would want to live in your chicken house! ❤ I hope the inverter stays up in working order!! Can't wait to see what happens next at your homestead! Until then~~Stay safe, healthy, warm and happy! ❤️🙎‍♀️🙎‍♂️❤️🐈‍⬛🐕🐕🐔🐓❤️

[@ursulapaulfranz9024]

You certainly pamper your chickens they must think they’re at the Ritz Hotel. Nice to see all of your nighttime visitors.😊❤️🙋‍♀️🇨🇦

[@hellabiz4289]

If you're blue, and you don't know where to go to Why don't you go where Arielle's "ladies" sits? Chickens at the Ritz ... Different types who dare a winter molt Lights held with zip ties are 12 volt, perfect fits Chickens at the Ritz ... Chickens at the Ritz ... Chickens at the Ritz ... ... with appreciation (and apologies!) to Irving Berlin, and Taco!

[@debbiecryan4882]

Love that you all want quality of life for all of your animals. Your videos are great; keep it up! ☺

[@terryharding2519]

You two do what you do best, whether it's a dog sled, a light here, a heater for the dogs or chickens and if could thank you... they would. Great job on the coup

[@renewallace6643]

Always watching but first time commenting. I must say every good women need a man like you Eric….your soooo good with your hands and that’s Amazing..!! Well done! From Canada stay bless. Love you Ariel !❤

[@lindseyk60]

Another great video. We received our 2024 Calendar the other day as well - super fast shipping and great quality as always! I placed the order after the previous video; that’s a quick turnaround. Great work on the chicken palace!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thank you 😊 they ship fast!

[@gmcbullet77]

Add a 12volt photocell after the timer and before the lights. This will turn the lights off during the daylight hours on the days that the sun actually shines. If cloud cover does roll in then the photocell will then allow the power to get to the light fixtures.

[@johnz9623]

You could get more air exchange by using outside air for the heater. Might have to bump the heater up because you're no longer reheating inside air. You might be able to leverage the hot exhaust pipe from the heater to preheat the incoming air. Any exchange of air will probably push moist air out into the tunnel and give you a ton of frost. They do make heat exchangers to recoup heat by using stale inside air to preheat fresh outside air but it might just plug up with the dust from the chickens. Might be worth a try if you can get one cheap. I think someone makes one to recoup the heat from a clothes drier.

[@nedheadwyoming]

What a magical life you have etched for yourselves, ever forward!

[@Bunefoo401]

You guys did an AMAZING job with this chicken coop

[@Astrohhh]

You can tell so much about someone based on how they treat animals, and you guys treat yours like kings and queens

[@Sonya60andlearning]

You guys always take care of your family, be human, furry or feathered.always concerned and aware. Just don't think I could survive Alaska, but loving watch you two get it done.

[@DSmith-ss8jo]

You two are giving me some great ideas for our chicken coop build next year here in Talkeetna. We already have conduit run for some house power out there, but the covered run is very nice. We probably won't have as many birds as you have, but will want them happy & comfortable like yours.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

A neighbor just poured a small slab with in floor heat for their chickens and he is pretty happy with it 🙂

[@cookingprincess327]

I have to say you have the best chicken house on YT. Congratulations on all your hard work on it!

[@JohnCap523]

You should pipe the heater intake (not combustion air intake) to the coop. Right now you’re pulling both combustion and intake (return) air from the closet. It will also help to dehumidify the coop and it will be more efficient. Just have to screen it so it doesn’t suck in feathers…

[@JohnCap523]

In effect you are heating closet air and blowing it into the coop rather than heating coop air and cycling it back to the coop.

[@ignaciaforteza7731]

And my favorites as well. I love chickens and roosters “singing “. Of course my favorite pets are CATS AND DOGS, absolutely all of them!!! What you have done for your cheeks is most amazing. CONGRATULATIONS 🎊🎈🍾 ❤❤❤

[@trishaprice3563]

I sure hope all the exhaust gets out because birds are highly sensitive to smells. Other than that y’all are excellent animal owners! The care you take for them is so wonderful.

[@donnavickery9623]

You guys are fantastic !!! You are so good to your animals !!! You are good people.

[@denisebrady6858]

What an amazing effort you both have put in to this chicken coop- CONGRATULATIONS 💯💯 I have never been so engrossed in watching anything as much as this build. Cheers Denise- Australia