Canadians check in here....

[RADK]

Hello from Manitoba! Near Winnipeg. I am new to owning chickens and have a dozen 16 week old BSLs. A bit nervous for our winters - anyone have any experience with BSLs in extreme cold temps? I hear they are pretty hardy which is part of the reason I chose this breed.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Hello from Manitoba! Near Winnipeg. I am new to owning chickens and have a dozen 16 week old BSLs. A bit nervous for our winters - anyone have any experience with BSLs in extreme cold temps? I hear they are pretty hardy which is part of the reason I chose this breed.

What are BSL again? So many chicken breeds!!!

My flock of mutts did well over the winter, even those days that got to -50 (which were very few, thank goodness!).

 

[RADK]

What are BSL again? So many chicken breeds!!!

My flock of mutts did well over the winter, even those days that got to -50 (which were very few, thank goodness!).

Black Sex Links. Yikes, -50 is just depressing. Did you provide additional heat for them?

Mine will be in an insulated room in a barn. Would like to avoid heat if possible due to fire hazards - I’ve been doing my research so will see how it goes.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Black Sex Links. Yikes, -50 is just depressing. Did you provide additional heat for them?

Mine will be in an insulated room in a barn. Would like to avoid heat if possible due to fire hazards - I’ve been doing my research so will see how it goes.

No, it's actually not recommended to have heat not only because of the fire risk, but it makes them *more* susceptible to the cold, as they don't acclimate to it.

Mine were kept in an uninsulated coop, same as were my ducks and rabbits. Actually, the rabbits were right out in the open.

And yes, -50 was *too* much. Lol! I live in a trailer, and it got cold enough inside that the water in the animals' bowls froze. I spent a few days in bed, huddled with my laptop and the dog as a heat source.

 

[RADK]

No, it's actually not recommended to have heat not only because of the fire risk, but it makes them *more* susceptible to the cold, as they don't acclimate to it.

Mine were kept in an uninsulated coop, same as were my ducks and rabbits. Actually, the rabbits were right out in the open.

And yes, -50 was *too* much. Lol! I live in a trailer, and it got cold enough inside that the water in the animals' bowls froze. I spent a few days in bed, huddled with my laptop and the dog as a heat source.

I’m happy to hear that you and your animals did alright in that! Lots of articles I read about winter chicken keeping don’t seem to be talking about truly harsh winters.

No disrespect to those in who live in milder climates, but I am hesitant to take winter advice from areas where it barely dips below freezing! Although I know that a wet-cold comes with its own unique set of risks.

 

[Canadian Wind]

I’m happy to hear that you and your animals did alright in that! Lots of articles I read about winter chicken keeping don’t seem to be talking about truly harsh winters.

No disrespect to those in who live in milder climates, but I am hesitant to take winter advice from areas where it barely dips below freezing! Although I know that a wet-cold comes with its own unique set of risks.

Exactly. Always take into consideration where a person is from. Winter where I am averages around -10 to -15, with bouts of colder and warmer temps.

I try not to coddle my animals because if something happens (power goes out) they can't put on winter clothing or start a fire for warmth. I'd rather breed towards animals that can withstand the conditions here, both summer and winter. If that means losing some of the less hardy ones, then it's a price I'm willing to pay.

 

[DeeDee2023]

I'm sorry you have to go through this. Unless it's disruptive, neighbours should keep their noses out of others' business.

First thing to do is to contact your city/town council.

I have done that. I've also written a long letter to the Council with a whole lot of information. I may speak at the next town meeting. The issue that is posed to the Town, is that the chicken farmers in this township, are afraid that the 2 or 3 chickens we raise in our yards is going to spread the avian flu to all their flocks. Which means money for them. I understand their concern, but they don't even look at the small farms that have backyard chickens right next door to them. These farms raise anywhere from 12 to 50 chickens in their yards. So I have to come up with evidence that they are no more at risk of losing their flocks from the 2 or 3 chickens in our back yards than they are from these other farms with backyard chickens.

 

[Canadian Wind]

I have done that. I've also written a long letter to the Council with a whole lot of information. I may speak at the next town meeting. The issue that is posed to the Town, is that the chicken farmers in this township, are afraid that the 2 or 3 chickens we raise in our yards is going to spread the avian flu to all their flocks. Which means money for them. I understand their concern, but they don't even look at the small farms that have backyard chickens right next door to them. These farms raise anywhere from 12 to 50 chickens in their yards. So I have to come up with evidence that they are no more at risk of losing their flocks from the 2 or 3 chickens in our back yards than they are from these other farms with backyard chickens.

That's absolutely ridiculous...

Are there even any cases of AF in your area?

 

[Crazy_Beautiful]

Any have experience with Kammerer Hertiage Farm? Located In Hamilton area.

I'm on the hunt for black lavender splits.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Any have experience with Kammerer Hertiage Farm? Located In Hamilton area.

I'm on the hunt for black lavender splits.

Sorry, no... Hadn't heard of them. I may have to look them up!