Break Quarantine for winter storm?

[uisceros]

Hi all,

I’m being affected by the huge snow storm this weekend. I’m in New England, and we’re looking at frigid temps and 2 feet of snow.

I recently purchased two Araucana (my dream breed) at the NE poultry congress a week ago. I have them quarantining in an empty coop outside.

Should I break quarantine and put them with the rest of my flock (since there’s only two of them), or would they be fine? I worry about them being too cold.

I can’t bring them inside because I literally have my entire micro bantam flock (30 birds…) in my basement since it’s too cold for them to be outside.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They should be fine. I have one rooster separated and he's doing fine in colder temperatures. I personally wouldn't rush combining new hens.

 

[Ridgerunner]

What does the coop look like? Does it have decent ventilation so moisture doesn't build up to risk frostbite? The moisture can come form their breathing, poop, or any open water. Since there are only two of them a fairly large coop would help keep the moisture down also. Decent ventilation will allow the heat to escape but the moisture is much more of a danger to them than cold weather. Like the wild birds that overwinter your chickens are wearing a down coat to keep them warm.

The other issue is wind. Can they get out of a breeze in there? If wind ruffles their feathers it can allow the heat that down is holding in to escape. With the way their feathers lay if they can face into the wind that will protect their feathers from being ruffled to a degree but I'd be wary of any breeze hitting them in there. If it is not hitting them a breeze or gentle wind can help get the moisture out through the ventilation.