Chicken blankets

[kkowa]

so its getting cold up here in Wisconsin and I want to make my birds some blankets that can be on all the time though will come off to washed ect. just because it gets so cold I thought this would be a great idea.... so next step is to get a design going what would be the best design and I plan on using two different kinds of fabric. one will be fleece to help keep them warm this will be under them and then a polyester type fabric that I will then water proof. at the end I will water proof all the seams now I just need the plan if anyone has any ideas let me know pleas!

 

[Judy]

They don't need heat and they don't need blankets. Really. They grow their own "fur coat." You would have a time keeping a garment on them, it is unnecessary, and chickens generally object strenuously to such things.

Please read these articles which are well known here, written by a Canadian member.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-coop-temperatures

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

 

[BrahmaMama2]

I agree. No blankets needed and I live in Northern Wisconsin

 

[kkowa]

im not only thinking for warmth im thinking to keep them clean as they are my show birds so I want to keep them clean and there combs from freezing

 

[bobbi-j]

I think the blankets would be cumbersome for them to move around in and could possibly cause harm if they get hung up on something. I don't show birds, so I have to ask - why can't you just wash them when it's time to show them? And their combs - were you planning on putting hoods on the blankets? Keeping your coop well ventilated and as moisture-free as possible would be a much healthier option, I would think.

 

[kkowa]

Because most of my birds are white and they are so hard to keep clean as I don't want to keep them locked up

 

[Judy]

The best frostbite prevention is a well ventilated, draft free coop that allows the humidity whch they produce to escape. A wide roost also helps, so they can cover their feet with their bodies well. Some people put Vaseline on combs in severe weather. I have read here that people bathe a chicken, especially white ones, for showing. The article linked below was written by a Canadian

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

 

[kkowa]

Yes i do bath them it's just the fact that the get mud and everything else on them this time of year and our coop is well ventilated so I don't have to worry about that

 

[lazy gardener]

Yes i do bath them it's just the fact that the get mud and everything else on them this time of year and our coop is well ventilated so I don't have to worry about that

Your thought is commendable, however I would advise against it as it might hold moisture in against the bird, and cause more problems than it solves. They'll be fine.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

It's unrealistic to allow them to run loose and expect them to stay clean.
You can have one, but not both