Bring In or Keep Out? Cold temp question

[topochico225]

Hi!

I have 3 Mille Fleur d'Uccles, ages ranging from 6-9 months, one cockerel and two pullets, in an Omlet Go UP. One of the pullets is laying. All 3 are very cold sensitive; I see them start to fluff up around 55 F (13 C). They look like spheres when it hits about 39 F (4 C).

It's supposed to be very cold for the next 3 days here. Thursday's high/low is 48/29F (9/-2C), Friday is 39/24F (4/-4C), and Saturday is 48/23F (9/-5C). Expecting flurries/ice/sleet/freezing rain tomorrow. My big girls are fine, they're somewhat used to this and there's 4 of them to cuddle together, but the littles put out so much less body heat, there's only 3 of them, and this is their first winter.

Is it dumb to want to bring the d'Uccles inside for those 3 nights? I stick hand warmers wrapped in foil under the shavings in the coop when it hits around freezing, but this upcoming cold is way more than they're used to. I have dog crates that can pop up and be ready for them in 5 minutes. I may just end up doing it for peace of mind, but I want to make sure there wouldn't be any detriment if I did.

Thanks!

 

[neo71665]

From my understanding that breed is supposed to be very cold hardy.

 

[swamphiker]

I agree that they should be just fine outside. The fact that they are puffing up is actually a good sign and is part of the way they keep themselves warm if it is cold out, by fluffing up they trap more air in between the layers of their feathers and insulate their body better

 

[alwaystj9]

You know you are going to bundle them up and take them in the house....

 

[topochico225]

From my understanding that breed is supposed to be very cold hardy.

Mine don't seem to be very cold hardy. They're also not very heat hardy, so

 

[topochico225]

You know you are going to bundle them up and take them in the house....

You know me too well.

 

[alwaystj9]

You are a chicken cuddler and a fair-weather chicken enabler.