Cold is on the Way

[HobbyChickener]

I realize that we have been discussing how to keep the birds cool and watered because it is been so very hot this summer, but it won't be long and we will be getting pre-frozen eggs.

How does everyone winterize? My birds just made it outside in late May so there hasn't been much of a weather problem. They have shade and a way to keep the rain off their heads but that is about it.

Does anyone actually heat their coops? What about letting them out during the winter to roam whether it is in a run or free range?

What about eggs? Will they stopo producing, or what do you do to keep them to continue to lay?

 

[leghorns_rule]

ug dont remind me about the cold

. Where did summer go?? Id also like to know about some cold hardy show breeds of chickens if anyone has info.

 

[speckledhen]

Can't really beat Orpingtons and Brahmas for being cold hardy. And the Brahmas have a pea comb, too. Orps are single-combed, but it isn't large.

 

[mdbucks]

Hey you forgot Buckeyes they were breed specifically to withstand the cold!!

 

[greginshasta]

I'd really encourage you to review the posts in the past couple weeks.

Literally every one of your questions have been asked and thoroughly replied to in several recent threads. I'd suggest you start there, then if you have more specific questions, see if those can be addressed.

Back to run construction...

 

[PeiTheCelt]

leghorns, we're in Dryden (I'm assuming the syr in your location is for Syracuse and so you're only about 45 minutes away), and we're feeling the same way.. This fall has come on so fast (even though Thursday was in the 90s lol)..

This has been a great site for breed information: http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html (I'd been browsing it for about a week before I realized it was from someone at IC too *laughs*).

We're thinking introducing Chanteclers and Wyandottes to our flock in the spring probably (both pretty, and bred for Canadian and NY winters respectively).

But our flock is currently safely ensconced in their eggs, for another 14 days or so.. It's kind of a moot point right now!

Quote:

 

[speckledhen]

When you build it with insulation and/or draft-free with adjustable ventilation, there isn't much to do to "winterize". All I do is close most of the vents and windows down and leave some cracked.

 

[Chellester]

Cold is on the way... and I can't wait! I'm so very tired of the heat.

I can't wait to wear warm winter clothes, sleep in snuggly flannel sheets, drink hot apple cider in the afternoon, knit and crochet, warm up by my wood stove, and listen to the rain fall and the wind blow.

 

[CtlisencedArborist]

Im with ya chell!Dont forget the blackberry brandy!!!!!

 

[Wooden_Pony]

YUMMMY time for me to start making Hot Buttered Rum Batter!!!!!

YIPPPEEEE!