Chicken Suffocation

[patandchickens]

Yup, give them a good *broad flat* roost like a 2x4, and manually put them up on there every night.

How cold is it in the coop at night, and are there any drafts that would make the roost unappealing to young chickens feeling cold?

Also, how dark is your coop? If there is not much in the way of windows, or they're blocked by objects outside the coop, they *could* be huddling out of fear... in the long run you need a window for various reasons but in the short term you could try a very dim 'nightlight' and see if that helps.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[thighman]

Right. The roost poles are lodge-pole pine, 4" around, seasoned 3 years. As close as I can get to a tree branch. It's been 40 at night, not bad for the side of a mountain at 7900 feet. Guess were breeding mountain chickens. Had two good nights, no deaths. Seem to be getting used to the lightning. If'n y'all need the baddest cluckers on the planet, call me. We got Barred Mountian Rocks. Thanks for the help!!!