Am I gonna really have to vaseline their combs??

[Time-Out]

Quote:
In your situation, I'd probably think along these lines:

I'd check whether any damage has occurred to the roof support beams. If not, I'd wait for a nice day and reroof with the corrugated metal or even just the clear plastic for now. I'd follow that up with a complete muck-out to make sure the bedding is all dry, thick and warm, so there is less moisture in the air. If the rest of your coop is insulated, there are rolls of silver bubblewrap type stuff you could temporarily fix to the new roof.

If the structure is damaged more than a quick fix, I'd establish how much work is needed. Surely a couple of hours here and there ought to get it fixed before Spring? I know I'd be eager to sort it out and I bet my OH wouldn't leave the chooks in the cold wind and rain either.

If I REALLY couldn't fix it, I'd find the money to buy another coop or shed or anything to house them in over winter. I wouldn't leave them in there.

I wondered about moving them into the garage, but I don't think I could get away with that

 

[kimmybow]

My girls seem to be doing okay - some dark tips, but not sure that's frostbite. Glad to hear that the frostbitten parts just drop off. It's my first winter with chicks, so I am just a little nervous about it. I have been going on the theory that they are outside animals and should be okay (they have for thousands of year, right?) but these girls are also kind of like pets, so if one croaks, it's a bigger deal. Glad to have some input from my western Mass compatriots...

Thanks all, and wishing you luck, Alaska!