Cold Temps bring frozen breath on chickens - opinion?

[Ash_lie]

Hello!

It is getting into the negatives here in New York, last night we had our first -3. Coldest winter in NY in yeaarrrsss. This morning I went out to my flocks and my girls had frozen condensation upon them where they tuck in their heads at night. So I am assuming their breath is freezing on their feathers.

My coops are well made, have proper insulation, and are to the rule books. Floors are coated with a thick layer of straw. No drafts.

Should I be worried? Is anyone else seeing this? Or should I just accept this is part of the terrible cold and they will muddle through? If there is nothing frozen on their skin, only on the feathers then I assume they have no idea it's there. But when they have their head tucked in their feathers at night and they are sleeping/breathing... are they okay?

Thank you so much in advance for anyone who shares their thoughts.

Ashlie

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Sounds as if you need better ventilation.
My coop is a prefab (Not great) and we are in negative temps as well, I've seen no issues of frost on the birds. I did have an issue of a frostbitten comb on the one who has the largest comb. That happened when I got scared it was too cold and closed up the only ventilation they had.

 

[blackdog043]

How much ventilation do you have? Can you post a picture of your coop?

 

[Ash_lie]

Sounds as if you need better ventilation.
My coop is a prefab (Not great) and we are in negative temps as well, I've seen no issues of frost on the birds. I did have an issue of a frostbitten comb on the one who has the largest comb. That happened when I got scared it was too cold and closed up the only ventilation they had.

So weird cause we have put in lots of ventilation, I suppose we could put in more? No frostbite, just ice crystals from their breath. One of my coops is pre-fab, one is homemade.

 

[Ash_lie]

How much ventilation do you have?

I have 2 coops. One is 12 sq feet the other 16 sq feet. Both have 2: 5 inch holes cut out at the roof line with mesh over them.

 

[blackdog043]

You need a lot more ventilation! If you post pics, we can help you with location for more venting.

 

[blackdog043]

My coop front and back sofits are open, side window and popdoor. The front windows are closed about half now.

 

[lazy gardener]

No matter how much ventilation you have, this is normal in below freezing temps. Chickens exhale a lot of moisture with each breath. When it hits the cold air, it freezes. Since she has her head tucked in her feathers, it freezes on the feathers when it hits the frigid air. I consider those frosty feather patches to be a positive sign that the girls are keeping their heads tucked into the down on a cold night.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

So weird cause we have put in lots of ventilation, I suppose we could put in more? No frostbite, just ice crystals from their breath. One of my coops is pre-fab, one is homemade.

How many chickens?
I went out to double check. There is no frost on the inside of my coops. My birds don't have any on them either. They are even staying outside under the coop for most of the day. I have that area closed off with plastic sheeting to keep it dry.
Are you cleaning out the poos everyday? It releases moisture inside the coop. I keep the coop pretty clean and have lots of pine shavings plus pdz to absorb any excess moisture.
I don't know though - this is my first year, so I really don't have an answer just what I have read.

 

[Ash_lie]

My coop front and back sofits are open, side window and popdoor. The front windows are closed about half now.View attachment 1223541

Oh wow! And you keep these open all night? we are getting -3 to -4 right now at night.