COLD!!!

[Chickenfiend]

IS there a way to tell if my chickens are getting to cold during the winter?

 

[midget_farms]

Their lips turn blue

 

[Mrs MIA]

Most likely you will find them huddled up together in the warmest spot they can find.

 

[keljonma]

I agree with Mrs. AK-Bird-Brain. And I have found if you have a light on, even a 40 watt bulb, they will sit under it if they are really cold. If you use deep litter or leave straw or hay bales around, they will make a little nest like area to sit in too.

 

[midget_farms]

Seriously though Ohio can get pretty cold in the winter. Chickens with large combs tend to get frostbite. You can tell because it will get swollen and turn colors (darker red, black). If that happens it is very painful and usually needs to be removed.

That said - chickens are birds. And just like cardinals and blue jays they can candle a good amount of cold w/o any problems.

1. make sure the perch is flat so they can sit on their toes.
2. give extra corn because they use the carbs to build heat
3. Keep the coop from being drafty
4. Provide a light bulb if it is going to get well below freezing.

 

[Mrs MIA]

Yep... even at -40°F I only keep one heat lamp trained on the waterer to keep it from freezing. The birds take care of the rest.

 

[Chickenfiend]

I ordered australorps which are extra hardy for cold weather and lay in it 2.

Thanks

 

[Mrs MIA]

I have a black australorp, and she did wonderfully well throughout the winter.

Good choice.

 

[Chickenfiend]

Thanks
(i did some research)