Black Astras ( Hardy in winter ) ????

[gottalovemychickens]

I would like to know if these chickens are hardy during the winter . Where i live here in CO they are looking at a lot of snow coming up this winter and sub zero temps. Should i turn my garage into a coop for the winter ??? I dont have a problem doing that i would just like to know before winter hits so i can update it ya know

 

[ghillie]

I live in the Springs and have an Australorp. Their henhouse is insulated and I have a small infrared heater that I use to keep it around freezing when it is real cold. Unless it is a bad storm she goes outside every day and she has no problems with the cold.

 

[Capone]

hi, i have 9 black Australorps and live in rhode island. and the girls do very well in winter and lay all winter long.

 

[CheerfulHeart2]

 

[Judy]

You need to read up in the coops section about cold weather coops. Patandchickens has a lot of great info on coops, and lives in Canada. She does not heat her coops.

They will need a draft free roost area, plenty of ventilation to get the moisture out, and a wide enough roost that they can sit on their feet to keep them warm. On really cold nights, a bit of Vaseline on combs and wattles will help prevent frostbite. They are in a lot more danger of this from moisture than from cold temps.

Many chickens won't go out in heavy snow, so they need plenty of coop space, preferably well over 4 sq ft per chicken. Your garage might be a very good idea, depending on your setup.

Do some searches or browse with Patandchickens as the author.

 

[EweSheep]

My Aussies didnt need any insulation in coop, and they are cold hardy as well. I agree with ddawn.

 

[gottalovemychickens]

alright thanks very much i will do so !!!