Colorado chicken raising in Cold Weather

[CocksAndHens]

This is our first time raising chickens and temperatures went from the eighties all the sudden 17 degrees at night definitely below freezing. We have black Jersey Giants that have full grown mostly since March of this year 2016. I have been told and researched every where not to use any heat lamps even the folks up in Canada chickens 20 degree temperatures below zero. They seem to be doing excellent and very happy what layer of Vaseline on their Combs and wattles. Any other thoughts for stuff you have learned living in Colorado or cold temperatures? Seems like the coop is kept around 30 to 40 degrees at night using a remote thermometer... with no heat but their own bodies

 

[FridayYet]

Hi C&H,

Although I'm a bit south of you, I'm probably close to the same altitude. I've got my birds in an unheated coop and they've been fine for the past few years. They are wearing down coats after all.

Make sure you have good ventilation, and that their roost is wide enough so that their bodies cover their toes while roosting.

Welcome to BYC - glad you joined us!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC - great that you have joined us. From what i have read, I also echo @Friday's advice. These links may be helpful

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-chicken-keeping

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-coop-temperatures

More generally, you'll find lots of info in the Learning Centre - https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center and if you have a specific topic in mind, just type it in the search box - there's a wealth of information on past and present threads.

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you

All the best
CT

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[N F C]

You've already received some good advice and links to check out, so I'll just say hello and it's nice to have you here!

 

[RodNTN]

Hi and welcome to BYC!

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

 

[kwon]

 

[drumstick diva]

Glad you joined us at Backyard chickens.