Frizzles in Cold Climates

[Chasing Chickens]

I’ve raised chickens for years, but this spring we got our first cochin bantam frizzle. I read frizzles aren’t able to trap heat, so they need special care during winter. But, I’m unclear what temperature is too cold. Summer went straight to winter in Montana, and we’re supposed to get down to 6 degrees next weekend!! Any tips for frizzles in cold climates are welcomed! Thanks!

 

[Callender Girl]

I almost didn't get a frizzle cochin two years ago because I was afraid northern Iowa's winter would be too harsh. Like you, we get temps well below zero and gusty, frigid winds.

However, Gabby's previous owner assured me that the little one would be fine, and so far, she's done well. The first winter, she lived in my avatar coop -- which is incredibly well built and insulated. Last year, she and my barred cochin bantam lived in a much smaller, uninsulated A-frame and were fine without any special precautions. I just made sure they were dry, well-fed and had access to water. Nothing else.

I would be happy to hear from others, however, if they have tips that would make winter easier on my girls.

 

[Chasing Chickens]

Thank you so much Callendar Girl!! That’s quite reassuring. I didn’t know she was a frizzle when I got her as a day old chick. I was hoping I didn’t need heat lamps because of the fire hazard.

 

[Morrison1020]

This is my first year with a frizzle chicken, she’s a loner so I have the same worries. so far she’s doing well but our temps have stayed above 28 degrees. I have considered buying a chicken sweater

 

[Chasing Chickens]

Last week we got down to -2 degrees Fahrenheit, and our frizzle did great!

However, our Muscovy ducks didn’t fair as well. I learned a lot about duck feet, and how to support ducks in cold weather. So, I’m lining the inside of our barn with straw bales as insulation. I’m also creating a “sick bay” of sorts for any birds that are showing signs of stress. It’ll be a smaller insulated space, away from the rest of the flock, with easy access to food and water, wooden pallets on the floor with lots and lots of straw to keep them off the cold floor. I may even add a cover to keep their body heat in. I’ll post a picture when I’m done.

I am assuming cold duck care will cross over to the frizzle if she needs it! There are easy things, like giving cracked corn or peanuts as snacks before bedtime as digestion of these treats generates heat as they sleep (or so I’ve read!).

 

[Rachnicko]

I’m sorry I don’t have any tips but I’m joining in coz I had my first frizzle this year too... well, currently have a 6 month old polish frizzle cockerel and a 4 month Polish frizzle pullet. I’m in the UK, so temperatures are between 5 and 10 Celsius at the moment...

I too am considering a chicken sweater if it could help them! Or just for fun

 

[cabincreations]

I built a box in my coop for my very young silkies to sleep in. It works by keeping thier body heat contained in a smaller space for them.

 

[Morrison1020]

I built a box in my coop for my very young silkies to sleep in. It works by keeping thier body heat contained in a smaller space for them.View attachment 2394917

They actually use it?

 

[NatJ]

There are easy things, like giving cracked corn or peanuts as snacks before bedtime as digestion of these treats generates heat as they sleep (or so I’ve read!).

Digesting anything will generate heat as they sleep.
I suppose the treats might cause them to eat more total food than they otherwise would.
And those things will certainly have more calories than lettuce or watermelon.

But I would expect normal chicken food (which usually contains a fair bit of corn) to be about as good.

 

[cabincreations]

They actually use it?

Well mine do, yes, but they started life with a momma heating pad from hatch, so they are used to cave like structures