Extreme cold

[Catalo2114]

Hi I have 5 Buff Orppingtons in an 8 x 10 shed. They are about 20 months old and we are facing low temps of 15 to 25 degrees below zero for a couple of days starting Tuesday night. I know they're a cold weather breed but I'm concerned about those temps. Wind chills are expected to hit minus 50. I have never given them a heat lamp and they've been fine but what are your thoughts? I appreciate any help here. Thanks

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Provided your coop is an appropriate shelter, they'll be fine

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to BYC! Extreme wind chills and subzero temperatures are common in upstate NY. My flock has always endured the winters with 2 ventilated coops. It’s amazing how chickens can withstand it!

 

[RodNTN]

X2 @Chick-N-Fun, ventilation is key Tightly insulated coops can cause frostbite.

 

[PirateGirl]

They can't feel the wind when they are in the coop (if they can you've got bigger problems) so they won't feel the wind chill while inside. They should be just fine. Before extreme cold I do like to scoop the poop from under the roost and dispose of it, this removes moisture and ammonia and will improve their air quality while they are spending more time than normal indoors. I also like to add some fresh dry bedding.

Check on them every few hours if you can. Birds that are standing huddled, puffed up, on one leg, lethargic, shivering, are struggling. Birds should still be relatively active in the day time and scratching around like normal, even if indoors instead of out.

 

[kwhites634]

Hi I have 5 Buff Orppingtons in an 8 x 10 shed. They are about 20 months old and we are facing low temps of 15 to 25 degrees below zero for a couple of days starting Tuesday night. I know they're a cold weather breed but I'm concerned about those temps. Wind chills are expected to hit minus 50. I have never given them a heat lamp and they've been fine but what are your thoughts? I appreciate any help here. Thanks

Dry+ draft-free + ventilation + no heat = 5 happy Buffs