Cold Weather Chickens

[MysteryChicken]

Yes, do you think I should?

It may help protect them from further damage.

 

[Chickens-are-cool]

I would not lock them in because of temperature. Not at any of the temperatures you name, and not at any other temperature I can think of.

You say they have access to the coop
And they have a sheltered run
And they choose to sit in the LEAST sheltered part of the run

So I would think they are fine. Chickens are pretty good about moving into a more-sheltered spot if they need it.

And I would completely ignore the "windchill" measurement, because your chickens are not IN the wind. The tarps block a lot of wind, but even wire fencing or hardware cloth slows the wind down.

(If the run was uncovered, and they were sitting in rain or falling snow or sleet, I might lock them in then--but it sounds like that is not what you are dealing with.)

Thanks! My chicken’s judgment isn’t great though, so I lock them in when it gets REALLY cold.

 

[Chickens-are-cool]

It may help protect them from further damage.

Ok, I will go out and do that later!

 

[MysteryChicken]

Ok, I will go out and do that later!

Okay.

 

[NatJ]

Do you have vaseline, or petroleum Jelly you can apply to their combs?

Not a good idea.

Quote from a different thread:

I tried on some Vaseline last night on my chickens, and when I came in today all my birds save for the two EEs and one Legbar hen had frostbite. The temperature inside the coop showed -2°C & 78% humidity; both numbers which my chickens and even my CCL rooster had survived with intact combs several nights in a row before. The Vaseline which I had hoped would protect my birds from frostbite seems to have made things worse by moisturizing the combs further than they already were, so I will not use it again on my chickens, ever.

So at least in one person's circumstances, vaseline is WORSE than nothing.

 

[Folly's place]

Mine have been staying in more than usual, because of the snow. The coop door is on the south side, and it's opened daily except during blizzards. Some of the birds go out in the afternoon, heading for the big round bale nearby. Most of the flock takes turns hanging out by the opened door, waiting for summer...
Don't apply anything to those combs! It doesn't actually help, and may make it worse.
Breeds with small combs are best!
@Callender Girl, our metal heater bases work very well keeping their water unfrozen. What are you using if your water is freezing?
Today it's cold but sunny, and looks great, from the inside!
Mary

 

[MysteryChicken]

Not a good idea.

Quote from a different thread:

So at least in one person's circumstances, vaseline is WORSE than nothing.

I was always suggested one of the two for frostbite.

 

[Chickens-are-cool]

I would not lock them in because of temperature. Not at any of the temperatures you name, and not at any other temperature I can think of.

You say they have access to the coop
And they have a sheltered run
And they choose to sit in the LEAST sheltered part of the run

So I would think they are fine. Chickens are pretty good about moving into a more-sheltered spot if they need it.

And I would completely ignore the "windchill" measurement, because your chickens are not IN the wind. The tarps block a lot of wind, but even wire fencing or hardware cloth slows the wind down.

(If the run was uncovered, and they were sitting in rain or falling snow or sleet, I might lock them in then--but it sounds like that is not what you are dealing with.)

I believe that maybe your chickens would move to a more sheltered spot, but my chickens are kinda dumb. I found them sleeping outside their coop in -2 degree weather a couple weeks ago. Luckily, that was a one time thing, but their elevators don’t go all the way to the top if you know what I mean.

 

[Chickens-are-cool]

Mine have been staying in more than usual, because of the snow. The coop door is on the south side, and it's opened daily except during blizzards. Some of the birds go out in the afternoon, heading for the big round bale nearby. Most of the flock takes turns hanging out by the opened door, waiting for summer...
Don't apply anything to those combs! It doesn't actually help, and may make it worse.
Breeds with small combs are best!
@Callender Girl, our metal heater bases work very well keeping their water unfrozen. What are you using if your water is freezing?
Today it's cold but sunny, and looks great, from the inside!
Mary

I fill their water twice a day, to keep it clean and to keep it from freezing over. In the morning it is always frozen solid so I try to get out there as soon as possible. When it is really cold like right now, I fill it up in the afternoon too, to break the layer of ice on the top and make sure they are staying hydrated!

 

[NatJ]

I was always suggested one of the two for frostbite.

Like you, I have read to use Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to prevent frostbite, or to treat areas that are already frostbitten.

But I have also read to NOT use it for prevention, or for treatment.

So I shared a specific example where Vaseline pretty clearly caused a problem, because most sources just say "do this" with no evidence either way.

Edit to add: and advice for treating frostbite, on chickens or people, usually says not to rub it or otherwise mess with it. So rubbing on vaseline would go against that advice.