Frostbite and extreme cold

Fernwehh

In the Brooder
Sep 29, 2021
12
20
26
Hey there! We've been dealing with temperatures ranging from -25 to -40 here in Central British Columbia. It's mostly cold like this at night. Boyfriend thought closing the coop ventilation would be a good idea so he did that and I finally let it go and let him. We ended up with frost on the window and walls.
We have a fully insulated coop, no heat. Here's some pictures to help determine the right course of action from here on out. My fear is that bringing them inside will mean that we will end up having them inside until Spring because it's just so damn cold and bringing them out would shock them. Also, they raise the temp inside the coop significantly with their body heat alone so taking three out might be to the detriment of their buddies. Should I be bringing them inside anyways? I know how much work it is to keep them clean and we have a baby coming in two months.


EDIT:
I spoke with a local who I know knows a thing or two and he recommended heat when it gets below -20. So I think we're going to add heat. They went through the same thing I'm going through with being stubborn about this, and their chickens suffered for it. So I think I'm gonna go ahead with that
 

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Last edited:
Best course is to NOT touch the affected areas.
Unfortunately the damage is already done. Bringing them in the house would be a shock to the system and yes taking them back out is another shock.

Keep the vents open. Add a humidity gauge in the coop and a second outside so you can compare the 2. If inside is 10% higher than outside remove all droppings, add clean dry shavings and increase ventilation.

Do you keep water inside the coop? That can raise humidity significantly.

We had a cold snap...below 0°F here recently with humidity in the 90+%. I am unfortunately dealing with seeing my poor leghorn mixes suffering frostbite as well. Looks like 2 of them and one of my Starlight greens have damage.

I am sure others will be along soon to add any advice they may have.
 
Hey there! We've been dealing with temperatures ranging from -25 to -40 here in Central British Columbia. It's mostly cold like this at night. Boyfriend thought closing the coop ventilation would be a good idea so he did that and I finally let it go and let him. We ended up with frost on the window and walls.
We have a fully insulated coop, no heat. Here's some pictures to help determine the right course of action from here on out. My fear is that bringing them inside will mean that we will end up having them inside until Spring because it's just so damn cold and bringing them out would shock them. Also, they raise the temp inside the coop significantly with their body heat alone so taking three out might be to the detriment of their buddies. Should I be bringing them inside anyways? I know how much work it is to keep them clean and we have a baby coming in two months.


EDIT:
I spoke with a local who I know knows a thing or two and he recommended heat when it gets below -20. So I think we're going to add heat. They went through the same thing I'm going through with being stubborn about this, and their chickens suffered for it. So I think I'm gonna go ahead with that
I would open vents some . Humidity gauge is good idea.
I have some ventilation deep bedding with pine shavings, 4 hens a normal "old type light bulb" in guarded brand new heat lamp set up . It's hung up and wired up to rafters of coop and I only use that when it's bitter outside . Right now it's 3 outside and 20 in coop. They are huddling together on perch and walking around in coop ( they're refusing to come outside) and they're fine. Just FYI
Lights also on a timer and comes on in wee a.m. hours from 3- 9 coldest here
 
I would open vents some . Humidity gauge is good idea.
I have some ventilation deep bedding with pine shavings, 4 hens a normal "old type light bulb" in guarded brand new heat lamp set up . It's hung up and wired up to rafters of coop and I only use that when it's bitter outside . Right now it's 3 outside and 20 in coop. They are huddling together on perch and walking around in coop ( they're refusing to come outside) and they're fine. Just FYI
Lights also on a timer and comes on in wee a.m. hours from 3- 9 coldest here
Next up is some lighting. We will be doing similar but using the red light. It's bolted to the ceiling too, and then a secondary chain is up. Boyfriend did what he could to ensure safety and set my mind at ease. It'll only be turned on with temps reaching -20 Celsius or colder
 

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