Frost on my chickens back feathers. Should I be concerned?

[ElCerritoPlace]

This is my first winter with chickens. We have had a very cold December with nightly temps consistently below zero and highs either still below zero or in single digits. The last couple nights temps have reached -21 to -10. I don't heat my coop, but the night it reached -21 I did put a lamp out there. I have 6 standard chickens in a 8x4 coop. I've noticed in the morning the chickens all have frost on their feathers between their shoulder blades. Just one little patch 2x1 inches. What does this mean? I have the gable vents open, they are approximately 8x8 inches. But I close up the door to the run. Too much moisture? Not enough venting?

I do keep food and water in the coop although the water is not heated.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[bobbi-j]

I think you're on the right track thinking about too much humidity. I have 17 chickens in an 8x16' coop, with the ceiling about 8' high. It's not completely tight, and I also have one window tilted open about 2" at the top. I have had no problems with frost or frostbite. We have been experiencing temps like yours.

 

[ElCerritoPlace]

Just wondering do chickens sleep with their heads tucked back like you see ducks and geese sleep? Could it be frost from their breath that I see on their feathers between their shoulders?

if it was a moisture issue would I have seen frostbite on the chickens combs, given that we reached -20 to -24F on several occasions this winter?

 

[lazy gardener]

Chickens tuck their heads under their wings and their breath condenses causing a bit of "frosting" between the shoulder blades. I also noticed it when we were in the deep freeze. It took a while to figure out what was causing it. Not a concern.

 

[ElCerritoPlace]

Great! Even though I was trying not to worry, it still bugged me that I didn't know what it was from. Thanks!

 

[lynbo22]

Chickens tuck their heads under their wings and their breath condenses causing a bit of "frosting" between the shoulder blades. I also noticed it when we were in the deep freeze. It took a while to figure out what was causing it. Not a concern.

thank you! I was concerned about my chickens as well

 

[BigBlueHen53]

keep food and water in the coop although the water is not heated.

If you open up the coop about dawn or daybreak, there is no need to keep feed or water in the coop at night. They do not eat ot drink at night. Removing the water will reduce the humidity in the coop. You can take fresh warm water out to them in the morning. They will drink first, then eat.

 

[Sara H.]

Just saw this on my girls this morning, for the first time! Last night was the first night the temps dipped down to about 10 below. I don't keep food or water in the coop, and there was no condensation on any windows. The thought had crossed my mind that it could be from them tucking their heads.
Glad to know it's not a concern!!