Frost bite, or frozen dead chickens or dying chickens

[Lolacan]

The chicken community appears to be overwhelmed with problems with the cold. I think it hit kind of early this year. I think we should all pay attention to what we can do better about insulating chickens from the cold, Vaseline on the combs, and most importantly- frozen water and chickens getting dehydrated. Chickens may survive the cold better if well fed, hydrated, and have protection from the wind. I give my youngsters some wet mash made from chicken feed at dinner because they eat it like pigs! Corn (scratch) is good too.

 

[RodNTN]

Great tips! I am so happy that I invested in a heated waterer last year

 

[Wyorp Rock]

A very good reminder to all of us.

Something else to think about doing is making sure you have several gallon jugs of water on hand! Loss of power, water freezing in your lines to the house, etc. are all possibilities, so it never hurts to have that. Case in point, this morning my water is not working - thought the line might be frozen, but further inspection the pressure switch is not working properly. I can get water from neighbors, etc., if needed- that would be a pain in 6F weather. Fortunately, I already had several jugs of water saved up.

 

[junebuggena]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, VENTILATION! A sealed up coop is a bad idea, no matter how cold it is outside.

 

[RodNTN]

Yes, @junebuggena! I put two heat lamps in my coop a few days ago, and thought of the idea of closing up my big screen windows; but am very glad that I chose to leave them open

 

[Jessdesk]

I use that sweet pdz horse stall stuff. It keeps their poopy tray nice and dry.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, VENTILATION! A sealed up coop is a bad idea, no matter how cold it is outside.

TO A CLOSED UP COOP!



All kidding aside @junebuggena - Good Post!

 

[mueri07]

waht about silkies...where can they get frostbite? im scared for my girls, it has been -20 last two nights

 

[Katherine Robertson]

waht about silkies...where can they get frostbite? im scared for my girls, it has been -20 last two nights

My husband and I are taking in all the banty hens including the silkies for the cold. Got down to -10 last night. The big fat hens have sealed feathers and all sleep in a pile so they should be good.

 

[mueri07]

we have a heat lamp in the coop but i looked at her this morning and she seemed to be fine, moving okay. her head was a little crusty from ice but idk. Going to bring her inside tonight for the kiddos to say hi and warm her up