Consolidated Kansas

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

I would get the heater, just keep it on a very low setting.

 

[Stardustrose]

I found a Plymouth Rock in my coop laying on the ground like it fell from a roost. The roost was only 5 inches from the ground but it was dead... Do you think that it could have over-heated or something? My silkie that sleeps in there was fine and they are more prone to that type of stuff... Any ideas?

I'm really sorry to hear that. Wish I had some advice, but I'm new to the chicken world.

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

It's fine. Just trying to figure it out so that it doesn't happen to anymore.

 

[chicken danz]

@Trish44 yeah it is. I hadn't used it in some time so I had no idea it was low. Grrr @LoveMyChickenBabies there are a number of things that may have happened. But normally if there is no sickness a bird often breaks their neck if they've gotten startled and jumped all of a sudden. There is also a high incidence of things like heart aneurysms that occur in chickens. It just happens and nothing can be done to prevent it. The longer you have birds the more likely you are to detect problems that aren't readily obvious to most people. The color of the comb and wattles indicates problems for one. Regular worming and mite and lice treatments are also a factor because both can cause death if not controlled.
@Stardustrose I wouldn't include a heater myself. She most likely won't need it. There are so many problems with fire potential of heaters. A panel heater like a sweeter heater or a heater to simply warm the roost are the best options. If I were going to add a heater I would put it on a thermocube so it won't be running all the time.

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

Thanks danz

 

[Trish44]

I agree on the heater, I have bantams that have done great in the winter with just wind blocks. They have layers of feathers to protect them. As long as you block the direct winter wind she should be fine. I have birds out in dog pens all winter. The north sides of the pens are tarped but otherwise they have no heat & do fine. Chickens are much hardier than you think.

 

[Ralph Moyer]

How is everyone's egg production? Mine took a nose-dive about a week ago, and it hasn't increased. I haven't ever used artificial lighting, but I haven't had hens almost completely shut-down, this early in the Fall.

 

[chicken danz]

My layers completely quit. They of course are outside and free range. The ones in the building have slowed way down but they are still laying. They have access to inside and outside but the lights come on a little earlier than daylight right now. I will adjust them again after Saturday to work with the natural light. I don't like using lights especially if birds are in molt. They really need all their strength just to produce new feathers.

 

[Trish44]

I do use some light in my layer coop, otherwise I get no eggs. My birds have gone through molt earlier this year & I guess that's a good thing. I'm not getting any eggs now from my breeding birds at all.

 

[Stardustrose]

@Trish44 yeah it is. I hadn't used it in some time so I had no idea it was low. Grrr @LoveMyChickenBabies there are a number of things that may have happened. But normally if there is no sickness a bird often breaks their neck if they've gotten startled and jumped all of a sudden. There is also a high incidence of things like heart aneurysms that occur in chickens. It just happens and nothing can be done to prevent it. The longer you have birds the more likely you are to detect problems that aren't readily obvious to most people. The color of the comb and wattles indicates problems for one. Regular worming and mite and lice treatments are also a factor because both can cause death if not controlled.
@Stardustrose I wouldn't include a heater myself. She most likely won't need it. There are so many problems with fire potential of heaters. A panel heater like a sweeter heater or a heater to simply warm the roost are the best options. If I were going to add a heater I would put it on a thermocube so it won't be running all the time.

Thank you Danz. I hear so many differently things about heating, I know the only one I would use is the panel. Same with other things like some people say use sand inside the coop, don't use hay for bedding.....etc, it sure can get confusing for a first time hen owner. I'm going to insulate the inside of the coop and put plastic around the bottom part and see how this works for now.