Going to get too cold for chickens?

[chickenchicklady]

Hey! I just found out that we’re supposed to get snow in 7 days with a low of 21. I have 25 meat birds, and I knew I was cutting it close to the cold weather When I ordered them, but I wasn’t expecting it so soon. The only housing they have is a Joel Salatin style tractor, so it’s not totally enclosed. My question is this: are they going to get too cold? Any suggestions on keeping them a bit warmer so I don’t lose any birds (I am very limited on time and I don’t have much more money in my chicken budget to spend on a ton of supplies). I will obviously provide them with thick bedding for insulation, and I will keep piling
Up the straw over the snow so they can venture out.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Snow??! Already? Where in this world are you (approximately)? (If you don't mind sharing.)

 

[chickenchicklady]

Northwest Yeah, you can see my surprise when I found that out. Lol.

Snow??! Already? Where in this world are you (approximately)? (If you don't mind sharing.)

 

[Mimi Clucks]

We put straw bales around the sides and a tarp over the opening on top. They all survived.
Just keep the draft off of them

 

[chickenchicklady]

We put straw bales around the sides and a tarp over the opening on top. They all survived.
Just keep the draft off of them

do you think I could just somehow strap cardboard around all of the sides and then the tarp on top? I have SO many boxes from moving that don’t have a use and I’m not sure I could get straw by then. Maybe multiple layers of cardboard would be sufficient.