A Couple Winter Questions-Need Some Feedback PLZ :)

[MesMama]

I've read that frost or moisture on the windows of the coop is not good, I've noticed some frost what looks like snowflakes on the outside of the window (west side of coop). It's not solid frost, but the little snowflake looking things are all over the window. Is that a concern?

Also, the bedding I use is straw and wood chips, is that okay during the winter? Does it need to be a certain depth? I thought I read something aboutt 4"??

And then finally (thank you if you got this far, I really appreciate it

), with the snow and frozen ground there isn't anywhere for them to take dirt baths, is this still necessary in the winter? Do you provide something for them to be able to do that?

THANK YOU!!!!

 

[JackE]

Frost on the outside is no big deal. What you don't want, is frost on the INSIDE of the coop. That's a sign of high humidity in the coop, and a sign of insufficient ventilation. So it sounds like you are in good shape.

Bedding sounds good, I just use pine shavings. I just throw more and more in there, as they break down. Have a good foot or more in there now.

As far a dirt baths go, my chickens go under the coop, where there is bare earth to flop around in.

 

[Blooie]

That is a sign of too much humidity building up in the coop, and you really need to get some more ventilation in there! Our natural tendency seems to be to shut them up tight in the winter, which is the worst thing we can do for them. We figure if we're cold, they're cold. But they're wearing down and feather coats....they need fresh air far more than they need to be closed up.

As for the dust bath, why not? Pick up some sand, fill a large rubber container, and let them dust bathe. It's good for them, and it also helps alleviate some winter time boredom!

Edited - doggone it, Jack! You caught the "outside of the window" part and I missed it! Shame on me!

 

[JackE]

Edited - doggone it, Jack! You caught the "outside of the window" part and I missed it! Shame on me!

DOH!

 

[Molpet]

I have a buss tub from a restaurant (what they clear tables with) that I put dirt and sand in. I don't put more than I can carry in it lol. I take it in at night and they get a warm dust bath the next day

 

[MesMama]

That is a sign of too much humidity building up in the coop, and you really need to get some more ventilation in there! Our natural tendency seems to be to shut them up tight in the winter, which is the worst thing we can do for them. We figure if we're cold, they're cold. But they're wearing down and feather coats....they need fresh air far more than they need to be closed up.

As for the dust bath, why not? Pick up some sand, fill a large rubber container, and let them dust bathe. It's good for them, and it also helps alleviate some winter time boredom!

Edited - doggone it, Jack! You caught the "outside of the window" part and I missed it! Shame on me!

So the frost on the outside is okay, like Jack said?

 

[MesMama]

I have a buss tub from a restaurant (what they clear tables with) that I put dirt and sand in. I don't put more than I can carry in it lol. I take it in at night and they get a warm dust bath the next day

Excellent idea!

 

[lynnehd]

So the frost on the outside is okay, like Jack said?

Yes, you can't do anything about frost on the outside. The key is that it isn't on the inside!

I use a 'cement tub' with dirt, peat moss and wood ash, set inside the covered run. They also LOVE dust bathing in the Stall Dry under the coop.

 

[MesMama]

Thank you everyone