-5 degrees and worried

[shannon84]

I'm worried about my chickens, it's so cold here windchill -5 they have lots of straw and coop door shut and drafts blocked with tarp. Buff Orpington and new hampshire red 3 chickens total . Coop is small with 2by4 roost. Will they be OK?! Thanks guys!!!

 

[Allisha]

Yes!
if the coop has no drafts, or minimal drafts, they will not experience the windchill in the first place.
Our chickens have a slighty drafty, very tall coop, and up here it continuously goes down to -10, without windchill.
And some of our chickens are not that cold hardy.

 

[Talithahorse]

It's harder on you than on them. Keep saying to yourself they have down coats. And if you still are feeling worried Google chickens in Alaska. If they can survive up there, yours will be fine. (Saw a really cool picture of a guy who broods day old chicks outside using those big concrete blocks. That being said most animals create heat when digesting, so feed them some goodies just before bed and give them plenty of food and water that is not solid ice. We all worry a little bit when the weather turns colder (even if we won't admit it). Okay maybe the people living up North don't but all us Southerners do.....

 

[shannon84]

Thanks guys, that does make me feel better! I think I just needed hear other chicken people to tell me it's going to be okay. They are more like my pets then anything, and I'm a newbie at this so I'm so happy there is this website! I've learned a lot from smart, experienced people like you all! I think I will Google those Alaska chickens before I go to bed ha! Maybe I'll sleep better! Thanks again guys!!!

 

[shannon84]

Oh I did do some goodies, mealworms,black oil sunflower seeds and scartch grains. I didn't know that about the heat and digestion. Good to know!

 

[Talithahorse]

I was the same way when I started. Glad we could help you sleep better. It's great to have others who can relate and share their experiences.

 

[shannon84]

I was the same way when I started.    Glad we could help you sleep better.    It's great to have others who can relate and share their experiences.     

yes it sure is! thanks again you all

maybe next year I'll be giving newbies advice