Harsh MN Winter and Keeping My Chickens Warm

[aart]

Last year I also experienced frostbite on combs on all but my rooster. I used vaseline everyday on all but a couple hens. I found the ones I put vaseline on had more frostbite then the ones I didn't. Someone told me that vaseline can freeze (someone more experienced can add to this if I am wrong).

IIRC...It actually has some water in it.
It also can attract dirt and detritus...which could hold moisture.

 

[Noreaster Egger]

Saw the widespread -40s up in the Arrowhead this morning including a -45°F at International Falls. Hope everyone up there is holding up well. It’s going to get worse.

 

[Joyze172]

Saw the widespread -40s up in the Arrowhead this morning including a -45°F at International Falls. Hope everyone up there is holding up well. It’s going to get worse.

The next few days the midwest is getting blasted with arctic frozen temps. Here in Wisconsin temps are expected in some areas to get as low as -59 with the windchill.

My flock has been fine up to -22 and for a few hours in the morning hangout in the main coop on the roost before heading down and out. However with the temps getting as low as -32 (without windchill) we moved the flock into a spare garage that is kept just above freezing for a few days to weather this out.

Placing a few heat lamps above the roosts was considered but my flock thinks its play time with the glow of the red light. I dont typically use them so they are not use to having even a dim light on.

Stay warm and hope everyone's flocks is are doing well through this arctic blast. Looking forward to temps in the 30's (above zero) this weekend!

 

[MN Chicken Mom]

Thanks for the advice! I will plan to staple thick, clear, plastic/tarp under their coop on all sides to see if that helps! I still wonder if the coop itself isn't ventilated good enough. I noticed frost/condensation on the windows. Poor girls! They all seem healthy and happy though whenever we check on them.

 

[MN Chicken Mom]

IIRC...It actually has some water in it.
It also can attract dirt and detritus...which could hold moisture.

Darn, I just put Vaseline on some of my hens now! I will stop now if it makes it worse!