Broody Hen below freezing

[Cycomiko]

I have an Ameracauna that is broody and doesn't care that didn't get above freezing the last couple of days and we even take her out around 4pm and today the wind chill was 13°F. We have some eggs hatching this Thursday I thought about sticking some under her. I live around 1000ft elevation on a mountain and the wind has been horrible the last few years and we can always expect snow until May. If she's a good mother, can she protect the chicks below freezing for a month? The forecast this week is above average.

 

[sourland]

If she is a good mother, provided with a dry and draft free coop she probably could raise chicks in those temperatures. I have had experienced mothers raise chicks in the winter here in NJ.

 

[Cycomiko]

If she is a good mother, provided with a dry and draft free coop she probably could raise chicks in those temperatures. I have had experienced mothers raise chicks in the winter here in NJ.

Thanks, she is in a great coop, thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[NNYchick]

I have a broody in my coop with chicks that hatched Monday/Tuesday, we got a blizzard the last few days dumped 2 feet of snow, 50-60 mph winds and temperatures in the teens mama hen and babies are doing well in my dry draft free coop. The biggest challenge is for me making sure their water is unfrozen. I can’t use my heated dog bowl with chicks I have to go out a few times a day to change out the gallon waterer.

 

[Cycomiko]

Awesome. I thought I was a genius using a chick nipple water and light bulb inside a bit of downspout for some bantams. The water stayed warm with a 29w bulb, but the nipple would freeze. Not sure if heat tape is the answer or not.