Chickens in winter

[RumneyRoost]

Winters aren’t that bad as long as you have a way to heat their water.

I’m in the snow belt in Ontario so we get a lot of heavy, wet snow. And a few cold snaps that drop down to -30C. I have a covered run and I wrap two sides in plastic to block the wind. I close the coop windows in the winter, but have adequate ventilation up high. If it’s really cold, windy, or snowing at night than I’ll close their pop door. During the day the pop door always stays open and they usually come outside. I don’t heat their coop, other than a panel heater beside the roost that only gets turned on at night when it’s below -20C. It doesn’t warm the coop, but I notice they’re more likely to sleep normally instead of tucking their heads under a wing.
I use a heated dog dish for their water, which stays out in the run.
I put a small feeder inside and one in a protected corner of the run. During a cold snap I’ll spoil them by making a warm mash for breakfast by mixing their regular crumb with warm water. They think it’s a treat.

 

[wamtazlady]

My chickens never have a problem in the winter.
But I live in NorthWest Florida (The panhandle).
It rarely freezes.

But the summers are AWEFUL.

Many people do not realize that summers can be harder on a chicken than winters. Must be so uncomfortable to be wearing those down coats when it's hot outside.

 

[RumneyRoost]

Many people do not realize that summers can be harder on a chicken than winters. Must be so uncomfortable to be wearing those down coats when it's hot outside.

This is so true. We had a humid heat wave this week and everyone except my leghorn were so hot they were holding their wings out and panting. The best I could do to help was bobbing for cucumbers and cold watermelon to keep them hydrated.

 

[RobertaD1]

This is so true. We had a humid heat wave this week and everyone except my leghorn were so hot they were holding their wings out and panting. The best I could do to help was bobbing for cucumbers and cold watermelon to keep them hydrated.

I know what you mean! I couldnt get mine out of the coop! Outside was miserable, but the coop had a fan blowing and doors and windows thrown open... it was nice in there! I thought something was wrong with them....

 

[aart]

The best I could do to help was bobbing for cucumbers and cold watermelon to keep them hydrated.

This is what I've found works the best to help them thru the heat.

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

 

[New2COchicks]

Have they ever gotten frostbite? I’m getting brahmas

Here, the season varies.....
Some winters, there can be little snow, but temps are below 0.... some winters the wind and snow are relentless..... BUT, with the exception of very windy days, they have the option on if they want to go out or not. I have an old coop, so no insulation... but its big, so they have plenty of room inside. The run is not covered with a roof, so it does get snowy. Some days, you see them poke their heads out and go in and out quickly.... some days they look out like... you have GOT to be kidding...then dont see them again for a week outside...LOL.
If the temps drop below 0 for too long, the hubby... (a big ole softee) will turn on a heat lamp for them, but that sucker is wired tight to a ceiling joist....
I will probably use a tarp this winter to block some wind, and because I have tripled my bird numbers this spring. All of my birds are cold hardy... and lay all winter long too.

 

[RobertaD1]

Have they ever gotten frostbite? I’m getting brahmas

I have never had any trouble with frostbite. My coop is very well ventilated, so although it will get cold in there, it stays very dry. Brahmas have a rose comb, so it's even less susceptible to frostbite.