Emergency Help!

[Nicolla]

I live in the Huntsville Al area where we got completely annihilated with tornadoes. We have no power/working cell service with gas and food shortages. Surprisingly I have 3g on my phone lol. What can I do to keep my two- 2 week old chicks warm?? I love them and don't want them to die.

 

[Tikkijane]

Gosh, you all have been in our prayers! Do you have any stores with camping supplies open? Any camp stoves or way to heat anything? And what are your outside temps?

 

[harleyjo]

Maybe some of those instant hand warmer things wrapped in a blanket. I am thinking. So sorry for the complete devastation down there. Keeping you all in my prayers.

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Oh, I wish I was closer. Maybe you could post over on the Alabama thread (below) and see if someone near you still has power and could help you out.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=29002

 

[Nicolla]

No. All the supplies are out... food, flashlights, candles... All we have to heat anything is our grill but we are trying to save the fuel for when we really need it and of course we could start a campfire. People are looting and tried to steal our chickens last night : (

 

[schellie69]

Quote:
I am so sorry that you are going through all this I would try and use blankets. It would depend on day and night temps if during the day its warm put them in a sunny spot out of the wind should help bring them in with your at night as long as it is not to cold they should be fine.

 

[ranchhand]

My worst nightmare, best of good fortune to you.

Jars filled with warm water, in a covered brooder box. Leave some of the top open for fresh air. Chicks are a lot sturdier than we think.

 

[Judy]

I am so sorry you are dealing with this. But I think your chicks will be fine. I have some around 3 weeks that have been outside since day 1, and I've already turned the heat lamp off as they were avoiding it, even at night. They just need a draft free place and something to cuddle into for sleep, such as towels or straw, I think. Chicks are hardier than we think they are. I wouldn't try to come up with a heat source, myself, only a relatively warm and sheltered spot, maybe with a sheet or something over the top at night to keep a little body warmth in. Even in a setup like that, they need fresh air, and there should be an open corner for ventilation.

Good luck to you and yours!

 

[TiffyG]

Can you build a small fire and heat water up in a pot? You don't want to boil it just get it kinda hot. Pour it in a juice, coke, or milk jug. Make sure your container is not leaking, wrap it in a towel and it should last for 2-3 hours. Hope this helps, I will continue brainstorming!

 

[Tikkijane]

If you have a fire going, you can heat up some rocks- just make sure they don't get really hot and that they are covered by something- maybe a towel, so the chicks can get close without getting burned. I like the liquid in a jar idea, too. I'd take my chicks inside with me to avoid people trying to steal them.

We have a freeze warning tonight and tomorrow night, and temps are only low to mid 50s during the day. Two days ago it was 97. Hopefully your temps are more even. I wouldn't risk having my chicks outside without heat in these kinds of temps. We had them outside for a few hours yesterday in the mid 80s and when we brought them back inside in, their feet were cold. Even though they could get in the sun, they seemed glad to have the heat lamp again. Please let us know how things are going!