Extremely COLD !!

[SparkleTia]

It is extremely cold where I live and I was wondering what I can do to keep my chickens warm? I have locked them away in the coop closed all the air vents and windows but I dont know if that is enough! Any ideas????

 

[cstronks]

As long as there are no drafts, they should do ok. Adding heat from a heat lamp or other source could help, however the drastic shift from a heated coop to an outside run can develop respiratory problems (very similar to those humans can get when they experience temp changes), so heating at this point could be a risk. I have boarded my chickens completely at night, applied vaseline to combs for sub-zero temps, and added extra bedding to the floor for added warmth. Outside of this, there is little an owner can do that won't be harmful to the birds.

*Note - there is a little bit of controversy over vaseline. Some people say it doesn't work well. I have experienced very good luck using it. A substitute for vaseline is bag balm ( more traditional). It can also protect from frostbite when applied to combs and waddles.

 

[SparkleTia]

@cstronks Ok how often do you apply Vaseline or the bag balm to their combs and waddles.