Boy I feel dumb

[U_Stormcrow]

Been giving them eggs and a little meat scraps with their feed this week. Record breaking temps go figure and me green as grass smh thanks for the reassurance its really hard when you are responsible for a life you don't know much about. Kids and dogs were much easier.

You aren't alone in your concerns - BYC has been flooded with similar posts. Its a "trial by freezing" sort of welcome many first time owners are getting this year.

 

[Byrd gal]

I believe heat is way worse. Chickens can tolerate cold very well

We made a cooling area out of a old cooler and fan last summer and the frozen treats they loved. Just can't sleep thinking they are going to freeze. We have had 3 people die from hypothermia in our county which doesn't help.

 

[Byrd gal]

You aren't alone in your concerns - BYC has been flooded with similar posts. Its a "trial by freezing" sort of welcome many first time owners are getting this year.

I have seen some really bad coops working at jobs. I feel bad for the birds. They usually have a dog chained in the yard too...

 

[turkey girl 0964]

Heat is worse, but can be managed with a little forethought. Those are good breeds for heat, too - prominent single combs, clean legs. Only downsides are their relatively large size. Snakes and other reptiles tend to get bigger in hot climates, most everything else tends to get smaller - but as the elephant and the giraffe both show, chickens are comparatively small critters.

Sometimes I wish for just one summer were it doesn't get past 100 degrees! Arizona heat is the worst!

 

[Aapomp831]

What they really need is extra carbohydrates over protein; my chickens (mostly black sex links and leghorns) only get scratch grains and corn in the winter, about 2 cups a day for 50 birds. The digestion of the carbs is slower than the digestion of protein and helps to generate heat within their bodies.

 

[Byrd gal]

What they really need is extra carbohydrates over protein; my chickens (mostly black sex links and leghorns) only get scratch grains and corn in the winter, about 2 cups a day for 50 birds. The digestion of the carbs is slower than the digestion of protein and helps to generate heat within their bodies.

Is cracked corn better or fresh ?

 

[Aapomp831]

Is cracked corn better or fresh ?

I don’t think it matters; I would think that cracked corn would last longer. Just remember to still give this in moderation; I give my birds extra protein through their food. Instead of layer feed, they get Flock Raiser at 17% protein and I provide crushed oyster shell on the side for my egg layers to supplement their calcium needs. In the summer, I don’t even buy cracked corn / scratch grains. That’s when I switch back to mealworms.
Just make sure you don’t give them more carbs by giving them bread - bread is not good for their crops / digestion and can lead to issues.

 

[Jeanw]

I’ve seen cold hardy chickens referred to as little feather covered furnaces, as long as they are dry and draft free they should be A-ok! We feel anxious because we want to make sure we’re taking care of our critters in the best way.

 

[Jeanw]

And don’t forget to make sure they have fresh drinking water during the daylight hours, very important for overall health.