Down to 2 hens

[jbrianchamberli]

So I started with 5 and over the last couple of years I've lost 3. 2 to predators, 1 to an illness. Now I have 2 and I'm worried that they won't generate enough body heat to keep warm during the winter. I was thinking about asking me neighbor how has a large flock if he would be interested in merging them but I know that sometimes can be problematic.

Any suggestions? They're locked up now and predator safe.

 

[Shadowfire]

What breeds do you have, and how cold is it in your area?

 

[jbrianchamberli]

One is a Orpington and the other is an Australorp. I live in Maryland where it gets to the 20's and teens during the winter. Obviously it gets colder but I believe that's the average.

 

[Shadowfire]

What bedding do you use, and how is the coop insulated? Straw is one of the bets for retaining heat.

 

[jbrianchamberli]

I use the deep litter method using wood shavings. The walls of the coop are not insulated.

 

[Shadowfire]

It sounds like your chickens may need some help to make it through the winter. If the coop is close enough to the house and an outdoor outlet, you may be able to add a heater to the coop.

 

[jbrianchamberli]

I've considered that but it goes against everything I've ever read about chicken coops.

 

[Shadowfire]

Heaters should only be used in extreme circumstances, and if you don't feel comfortable using one, you can follow these steps to help your chickens stay warm:

1. Protect the coop from cold winds by relocating mobile coops.
2. Fill the coop with lots of bedding.
3. Close large ventilation holes (leave smaller ones), or block them off partway.

 

[21hens-incharge]

My 2 cents.....
The breeds you have are cold hearty.

I keep those breeds and even below zero mine have been fine.

Birds trap their own body heat with their feathers and down. They don't heat the space they are in.