2 lone bantams, can they handle winter alone?

[torch21]

Hello! I have two bantams in a tractor supply coop; a Cochin hen and a Japanese roo. Will just the two of them provide enough body heat over the winter to be safe from frostbite? I plan on lots of bedding, perhaps a tarp of over the coop at night, and haybales up against the run for them to get outside during the day. I live in the midwest; our temps in winter can get a bit brutal - sometimes dipping below 0.

I have an opportunity to add 2 more cochin hens to the flock, but I had a hen pass away from Marecks a few months back, and have been hesitant to add any more birds since then, for obvious reasons. Everyone besides that hen has been completely fine.

PLEASE give me your suggestions!!

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I don't live in a cold climate but they should be fine as long as they can cover their toes when roosting. A 2x4 roosting bar should work

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Although make sure there is adequate ventilation

 

[Vickischics]

All chickens sit on their feet. Therefore, get the a 2x4 board to roost on.
Sand any sharp edges and have them roost on the wide side (4") side. They should do fine but, you must have ventilation and no drafts actually on the birds. I've also learned by reading that sometimes, they won't go outside in the bitter cold so know that too. So, having a cleared , covered enclosed run helps protect them. You can use tarps to protect them in the run from the bitter wind and cold rainy sleet.
My most concern is your chicken ratio of Male:Female.
Having one pullet or after one year of laying is called a Hen.
A one <1yr= Cockerele
1 yr >= Rooster.
She will become Over Mated and a very battered girl and potentially get literally torn up in the process. She may not go outside because he will be waiting.
Male Cockerel/Roosters purpose in life is to mate 10-30 times a day and sometimes this causes major female injuries to the neck and their sides. The male bites the neck for submission and presses his spurs into her sides to hold her down to stay mounted.
He will also protect his flock.
For girls not to be over mated and abused, you need 9-10 girls per one Rooster.
There are Many posts about the Rooster vs Hen ratio and the concerns. You can find these in the search section.
You will want to purchase an Apron for her protection from injuries and you can find these on Amazon too.
There are many you-tube videos of the mating ritual.
Good luck & stay warm

 

[torch21]

All chickens sit on their feet. Therefore, get the a 2x4 board to roost on.
Sand any sharp edges and have them roost on the wide side (4") side. They should do fine but, you must have ventilation and no drafts actually on the birds. I've also learned by reading that sometimes, they won't go outside in the bitter cold so know that too. So, having a cleared , covered enclosed run helps protect them. You can use tarps to protect them in the run from the bitter wind and cold rainy sleet.
My most concern is your chicken ratio of Male:Female.
Having one pullet or after one year of laying is called a Hen.
A one <1yr= Cockerele
1 yr >= Rooster.
She will become Over Mated and a very battered girl and potentially get literally torn up in the process. She may not go outside because he will be waiting.
Male Cockerel/Roosters purpose in life is to mate 10-30 times a day and sometimes this causes major female injuries to the neck and their sides. The male bites the neck for submission and presses his spurs into her sides to hold her down to stay mounted.
He will also protect his flock.
For girls not to be over mated and abused, you need 9-10 girls per one Rooster.
There are Many posts about the Rooster vs Hen ratio and the concerns. You can find these in the search section.
You will want to purchase an Apron for her protection from injuries and you can find these on Amazon too.
There are many you-tube videos of the mating ritual.
Good luck & stay warm

My Japanese bantam is significantly smaller and shorter than she is, and has never tried to mount her, but I understand your concern!!

 

[black_cat]

My most concern is your chicken ratio of Male:Female.
Having one pullet or after one year of laying is called a Hen.
A one <1yr= Cockerele
1 yr >= Rooster.
She will become Over Mated and a very battered girl and potentially get literally torn up in the process. She may not go outside because he will be waiting.
Male Cockerel/Roosters purpose in life is to mate 10-30 times a day and sometimes this causes major female injuries to the neck and their sides. The male bites the neck for submission and presses his spurs into her sides to hold her down to stay mounted.
He will also protect his flock.
For girls not to be over mated and abused, you need 9-10 girls per one Rooster.
There are Many posts about the Rooster vs Hen ratio and the concerns. You can find these in the search section.
You will want to purchase an Apron for her protection from injuries and you can find these on Amazon too.
There are many you-tube videos of the mating ritual.
Good luck & stay warm

It all depends on the temperament of the roo. Breeders have success with pairs, trios, and quads all the time. The 1:10 ratio is recommended to achieve proper fertility in a flock. I personally would not have a roo without more than 10 hens, but different things work for everyone. If there is not an issue, one probably will not arise. I do not think that the hen will be 'overmated and abused' if there is no issue currently.

 

[lyleg5895]

The only time I've found the whole ratio thing to be a problem is when you have a much heavier and/or particularly aggressive male with smaller females. We made that mistake with a very large cochin and four much smaller RI reds. If they're similar size she should be fine. The apron isn't a bad idea though.