Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[bgmathteach]

Is that how you do it? New chicks in March and April every year?

Well, in theory, YES. However, my broodies don't always cooperate - my DC go broody in June or July. However, if I order chicks, I usually order them to arrive early April.

 

[rural mouse]

Wings can ice up with those temperatures. Equipment failures are not uncommon

Now is for logistical planning. Flight when warming temps

 

[rural mouse]

She would and does. But what did you expect?
If I had tagged her on that post she probably would have made a snarky comment at my expense.

She's really annoying when she makes something but won't let anyone have seconds. It's a crime against humanity to ban seconds like that.

2nds are complements to the cook.

 

[notabitail]

2nds are complements to the cook.

I'll use that card on her. Seems she skimmed over that section of her cooking ideas.

 

[bgmathteach]

No more. I'm locking them in.

Have you done that for multiple days in a row? Your coop is 32 sq feet, correct? How do they handle the approx. 5 sq feet per bird for multiple days? Or are they still split between FBA and the Cluckle hut?

 

[BY Bob]

The list of names that I have called her so far this evening:
Troublemaker
Mama neurotic
Mama hensworth
Flash the featherhead
KFC in waiting!
El poyo no gusto!
Feathered version of Chucky the doll. (Friends till the end)
And I asked her if she was one of those poltergeists inside the tv in the movie
So far it’s just not working out

Don't you mean Poultrygeist?

 

[BY Bob]

Did someone mention my name?View attachment 3718347

So pretty!

 

[BeastBaby]

As long as they have a draft free place - and in that case, well ventilated but not tons of space per chicken - they help keep each other warm.

So, good HIGH ventilation, without drafts and they should be okay. If it is really windy, too, try to add some supplemental heat. I don't have electricity at my coop, so if it is really nasty, I take a 5 gallon and fill it with hot, hot water. Wrap it in corrugated cardboard...and put it in the coop as a mild heat source. It helps some!

As a last resort, some people find a place in their house or garage to move the chickens to if their coop isn't set up for that level of cold, or if they are molting or sick or whatever. Cellars would work well if you have one - cooler than the rest of the house, but not frigid, and easy enough to put shavings down or an old sheet to make for easy clean-up, and a step ladder or a 2x4 on cinder blocks or something serves fine as a temporary roost....a cardboard box with shavings or an old towel serves as an acceptable next box.

Chickens are pretty hardy and cold tolerant as long as they have a draft free shelter......best of luck figuring it out for yur circumstances!

So in theory it’ll be fine. Thanks for the reassurance. I’ve never been in those temperatures, brrr. Hopefully the forecast moderates some, and we not actually dip far below freezing!
My coop isn’t too large for this size flock I don’t think (it’s 5’x6’x3’), but my challenge would be getting Perry in there instead of sleeping in the tiny (drafty) integration coop.

I do have a garage available as a backup plan, although my spouse would have a knipshit.

Also that warm water bucket is interesting- you don’t worry about the added humidity? I would think freezing vapors would hurt their combs or something along those lines.

 

[BeastBaby]

As a Montana resident, I can state from experience. The temps aren't usually a problem, especially if they can head into the coop to warm up. They don't like being directly in the wind or getting soaked. They don't mind a drizzle. If the sun is shining, they want to go outside. Anything below about 10F, they're quite willing to spend MOST of the day inside, but they will still poke their beaks out. Below about -10F, they don't usually want out. Temp fluctuates over the course of the day, so they will venture forth when the temp rises.

As long as the wind isn't blowing in the hatch to the coop, open it and see what they do. Is someone going to be home to keep an eye on them? Will they have access to warm water? Do they have access to food and water (that won't freeze) inside the coop?

All good info! I’ll be home and can check on them multiple times a day- there will be unfrozen pellets, and I can bring warm water out to them at least three times. Good idea to close the pop-door as needed.
Is your coop insulated? Mine is pretty draft free, but just plywood-thick.

 

[BeastBaby]

Mine have an infrared heater, food, heated water and deep straw for when the temp gets that cold. I turn off the automated door and force them to live in the coop. I let the door open last year and they went out. I did not think they would. Poor Glynda got frostbite. No more. I'm locking them in.

That sounds downright cozy!
I was considering a sweeter heater, but really couldn’t justify the cost for a single day’s worth of cold that comes around every other year.