Advice needed. Time sensitive.

[BigBlueHen53]

Jared, this is not all the info you need, but you should certainly remove the waterer at night. Chickens don't eat or drink in the dark, and the presence of water in the coop raises the humidity level, increasing the possibility of frostbite on combs and wattles. This is especially dangerous for roosters, which you do not have, but hens are not immune. This will also keep the water from freezing overnight and you can take them warm water out in the morning.

 

[jnicholes]

How cold does the basement get?

The basement has a heating system, just like the rest of the house. In fact, one of the heaters is down there. I would say maybe 65° F.

 

[jnicholes]

Jared, this is not all the info you need, but you should certainly remove the waterer at night. Chickens don't eat or drink in the dark, and the presence of water in the coop raises the humidity level, increasing the possibility of frostbite on combs and wattles. This is especially dangerous for roosters, which you do not have, but hens are not immune. This will also keep the water from freezing overnight and you can take them warm water out in the morning.

The waterer has a heater underneath it to prevent it from freezing, but you are right. I should remove the water if it does what you say it will do.

 

[Mamilo]

I would put them in the basement, and after the storm, once you have shoveled out the snow from the chicken run, bring them back out.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Good luck, Jared, keep us posted, please!

 

[RoyalChick]

At 30 below I would put them in the basement. I would turn the heat off because you don’t want to shock them with big swings in temperature.
If it is just for a couple of days I am sure you could cram them into the dog crate or find some cardboard boxes maybe.
Good luck!

 

[LaFleche]

To keep your mind at ease and your hens safe, the basement would be just fine for them.

Maybe use some chicken wire or similar to keep them confined and prevent them from jumping all over the place, spread some soft wood shavings on the floor, install a temporary roost and have them entertained with some whole carrots for the time it takes you to get the outside coop and run back to their normal conditions.

 

[jnicholes]

Done.

The nice thing about having a cement floor is I can always mop it when they’re back outside.

Thank you all for the advice. I will keep you all updated concerning the weather.

 

[LaFleche]

Done.

View attachment 4048624

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The nice thing about having a cement floor is I can always mop it when they’re back outside.

Thank you all for the advice. I will keep you all updated concerning the weather.

Well done!

Maybe put an old bedsheet or similar on top of the freezer and other poop-sensitive stuff.

 

[jnicholes]

Well done!

Maybe put an old bedsheet or similar on top of the freezer and other poop-sensitive stuff.

I didn’t think of that, thank you. I will take care of that ASAP.