Chicken (Poultry) Addiction Anonymous *Chat Thread*

[gryeyes]

Here's a picture of the four call ducklings I hatched a month ago. (The flash scared them!). I already have two adult Cayugas, a pair, I bought as feed store ducklings.

 

[featherbaby]

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SIX DEGREES??????? When my temps are going to get in the 30's I put the heater on in my coops. Maybe my silkies are too pampered, but I don't want to risk them getting respiratory or other stress related infections. I have a little ceramic heater I got for about $20 at Big Lots, hung from a chain in the middle of the 4 x 8 coop. The sides are all plywood and the front has a canvas and insulated lining cover. Not air tight at all so ventilation is not a problem. The heater is on an adjustable thermostat so it doesn't run all night if the temps are high enough. I like to keep them between 45-60 degrees. I know they can 'survive' low temps, but I would much rather prevent illness first than treat it later. IMO, I think low temps put them at too much risk.

 

[Muggsmagee]

Quote:
I think so, they are VERY low wattage and have a hardcore insulated cable. I put mine up on a concrete paver just in case, which also keeps shavings out. They are really cheap at walmart and amazon and no frozen water! Plus mine I believe are 1.5 gallon. Plenty for my 20 chickies - 8 with one bowl, 8 with another, and 4 are still in my sunroom and have the nipple waterer.

none of my chickies even seem to notice the cold. Even the leghorns so far have no frostbite and it was zero yesterday! brr.

They romp around and yell at me for treats just like usual. I have tons of ventilation. I may eat my words later, but for now, I am going with the 'no heat' crowd.

I truly want to go the no heat route...I just can't...yet. Maybe when the daylight starts picking back up, and I check out these heated dog bowls. Great idea on the concrete block. Do your chickens try to roost on the edge of the waterers?

We haven't closed off the end of the roof overhang (it makes sense in my mind...I'm probably speaking jibberish)...so the flock has plenty of ventilation in the coop, but no draft. I'm not worried about frostbite...I guess we'll see how I feel once the water is no longer frozen.

Oh, and I'm getting 2 Leghorns this Saturday!

Ya'll convinced me!

 

[Muggsmagee]

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Hooray for ducks! I have placed a preorder for February! These will be my first ducks ever...and Cayugas are on the list.

Thanks for sharing your cute pic gryeyes!

 

[Muggsmagee]

Quote:
SIX DEGREES??????? When my temps are going to get in the 30's I put the heater on in my coops. Maybe my silkies are too pampered, but I don't want to risk them getting respiratory or other stress related infections. I have a little ceramic heater I got for about $20 at Big Lots, hung from a chain in the middle of the 4 x 8 coop. The sides are all plywood and the front has a canvas and insulated lining cover. Not air tight at all so ventilation is not a problem. The heater is on an adjustable thermostat so it doesn't run all night if the temps are high enough. I like to keep them between 45-60 degrees. I know they can 'survive' low temps, but I would much rather prevent illness first than treat it later. IMO, I think low temps put them at too much risk.

I just feel too guilty. I feel if I can provide them some relief from the cold, I should. And as long as I'm not creating a sauna or a fire hazard, I tell myself it is okay.

And if I come back in my next life as a chicken, I want to be one of MY chickens!

 

[Louieandthecrew]

Hello all! Not staying on, but just wanted to say hello

 

[Muggsmagee]

Am I the only one not ready for Christmas? Time is going by so fast! I still have all of my shopping to do. Yikes.

 

[Louieandthecrew]

Haha!


Yay yay yay!!! Eep! https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=430153

 

[equinehugger3]

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How adorable! Love them!

 

[Louieandthecrew]

Hello all!
I'm planning on setting my own fertile eggs in the new bator soon! But, I'm also wanting to set some ordered fertile eggs that are pure-bred. I have questions, of course!

Question: What are some good prices and places to order some fertile eggs?

I'm looking particularly for:
Plymouth Rocks - Barred
Welsummers - Red Partridge
Orpingtons - Buff (Ordering McMurray Hatchery BO chicks in the Spring - 15 of them)
Wyandottes - Silver Laced or Blue Laced Red
Brahmas (Not as preferred)
Australorps - Black

If you know of any other pretty, sufficient-laying hens/breeds, please tell me!

That is only one of my many questions, but I'll start with the first things first.