First winter with chickens

[harleyjo]

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[harleyjo]

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[harleyjo]

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[harleyjo]

Thanks everyone for all the tips. I will be following this to see what else is suggested.

 

[pgpoultry]

I always let my chickens out in the winter, but if it is snowing and blowing they usually go back in the coop. If they decide to go in I then shut the coop again. I don't think I've ever had a day when they have opted not to come out at all.

Sandie

 

[louloubean]

we had great luck with no heat here in cold new england last winter.

besides deep litter and good air circulation, i rigged a "vestibule" to keep the wind from coming in the pop-door, and i built a cookie tin water heater.

no additional heat in the coop, and i only had one day with frozen eggs (it was because we were away for a day and didn't collect the previous days eggs!)

we had no frostbite, and no illness.

good luck!

 

[louloubean]

oh yeah, our chickens hated the snow.
they would run from the coop to the deck and sit there everyday. (poop deck)
they stayed inside their run and coop for the rest of the snow pack!! i gave them my leftovers and greens every day and got eggs all winter! ya-hoo!

 

[evergreenlayer]

I have a new 4 x 4 insulated coop with 14 week old pullets. It is supposed to be 16 degrees tonight. Do they need a heat lamp? They have been in the coop for week with temps dropping to 30 at night with out one. I have a 200 watt bulb. Is that too hot? 6 chickens.