Any suggestions on how to solve our frostbite problem?

[chicken gal]

I have heard that Vaseline works well.

 

[jayjay123]

sry for the confusin it comes down from the roof sry bout that

 

[leilani10]

Yes it is the cookie tin deicer. The tapered light bulbs work fine. Then I just change the plastic ice cream tub every day, fresh water.

 

[Triple Willow]

I got lucky and ran across some heated water bowls on clearance for $9 each.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

i guess !! what is that, like 75 % off??

 

[Triple Willow]

i guess !! what is that, like 75 % off??

These were regular about $20 but I have seen them $24-25. I snatched those babies up! lol Now if I only had electricity at all my coops. lol

 

[Patuxent]

This is our first winter with a flock of 6 hens and it's been very cold here at times, dipping down to single digits and minus wind chill. Our birds are cold hardy varieties, 3 Wyandottes, 1 Easter Egger, 1 Plymouth and a Silkie. The only one I worry about with freezing comb issues is our Plymouth "Maggie", and her comb looks bright red and healthy so far.

We keep the end vents open (flush floor vents from Lowes) at the top of the coop and a sand base on the floor which is super easy to clean, especially when the poop is frozen. I bought a stall rake at Tractor Supply and attached 1/4 inch hardware cloth on the tines with locking pull ties. We don't use any heat as it scares the hell out of me...rather have frozen chickens than fried ones.

I'm not sure what your floor base base is, but if you are using something that holds moisture, like shavings or straw, you may want to change it out. I started out with shavings and have no regrets switching to sand. If it's icy at the door, there's always some sand to throw down.

Good luck to you and your flock.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

These were regular about $20 but I have seen them $24-25. I snatched those babies up! lol Now if I only had electricity at all my coops. lol

bet that would help huh? you could have a yard like mine with extension cords snaking through the yard every where. need some hazard signs

 

[Triple Willow]

 bet that would help huh? you could have a yard like mine with extension cords snaking through the yard every where. need some hazard signs 

At least my dog got to use one. lol

 

[Beekissed]

bet that would help huh? you could have a yard like mine with extension cords snaking through the yard every where. need some hazard signs

I do the same! The last place I lived had extension cords strung through 6 apples trees and then over to the coop and this place has it strung from the house to 2-3 trees and then it runs along the ground the rest of the way, ties into a junction so that I can plug in my dog's electric system and then travels along to the coop. The coop is about 100 yd or so from the house.

It's worth it and the cords last many years. I love having electric to the coop!