Cold MI autumn

[Chickenhappy8708]

It got below 35 degrees Fahrenheit last night! So I have a few questions about winter management. First of all: My rooster. My White leghorn rooster has a massive comb! I'm worried about him getting frostbite.

And then my baby chicks. I have two 4 week olds, a 9 week old, and a 10 week old. Then 10 week old lets the 4 week olds under his wings sometimes. The 9 week old still sleeps under mom. But its getting cold and I worry about them getting cold. I don't have electrical outlets in my coop, nor will I ever be able to get them. Any winter tips?

 

[sourland]

Chicks should be fine. Large combed roosters are susceptible to frost bite in extremely cold weather. A dry, well ventilated yet draft free coop help to lessen the possibility.

 

[tripletfeb]

Your chicks will be fine. They already know how to find warmth if they get chilly. As for your rooster, I would worry about that wattle too, its long! And if he drinks and gets it wet, it could get frostbite. But if you put vaseline or coconut oil on his comb and wattles, that will help with the frost bite. Keep the coop dry and ventilated, he will be fine! Hes handsome by the way!

 

[Folly's place]

Deep ware dishes, like heated dog dishes, are more likely to be a problem for him, with those big wattles. And this is why I avoid single combed roosters, because they will get frostbitten combs and wattles out there. It's not a fatal problem though, so not the worst thing that can ever happen.
Your chicks will be okay, as long as the four week olds are feathered out.
Having a dry well ventilated coop and run is best, and heated waterers, unless you are out there three times daily with fresh water to replace the frozen unheated water.
Mary

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

I can get a heated dog bowl, I do have school in the afternoons, so I'm not sure how often I can change it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I can get a heated dog bowl, I do have school in the afternoons, so I'm not sure how often I can change it.

Have someone else in the family help out with water management?

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Possibly, my sisters and Grandma are home all day. I do think that by the time winter becomes a serious problem I either A. Will have my school shut down due to COVID/flue season (similar symptoms, so we may have to close down for that)
Or B. XC is over in October, so if the weather can stay more mild i will only be gone for a few hours.
I guess it will have to be a learning experience like everything else this year.

 

[aart]

I can get a heated dog bowl

No, that's not what you want....read more carefully.
Plus you said:

I don't have electrical outlets in my coop, nor will I ever be able to get them.

Deep ware dishes, like heated dog dishes, are more likely to be a problem for him, with those big wattles.

Even with good ventilation and horizontal nipples still get frost bite here as it's so humid.
Plus they love to eat snow so get wattles wet doing that.
Coating the combs and wattles doesn't work, best to leave hands off before and after FB.

Any winter tips?

Show us pics of your coop and run and we can make specific suggestions to optimize for winter.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Ok, I can go out in a bit when the lighting is better.

 

[aart]

Where in MI are you?
Hasn't gotten quite the cold here yet.

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