So anyways I live in Palmer Alaska and we have put the girls (sexlink, reds) in the basement of the house because we were afraid that they would get cold (first winter), they have been pampered and well fed however they seem to be loosing weight and I think that they are a bit bored. The temperature is around 65 degrees in the basement and they have been lying eggs every day. Tomorrow the temp outside is going to be around 35 and I want to take them out for some fresh air and exercise, unless that is too much of a thermal shock to them.Your input would help my decision, thank you
Welcome to BYC. Enjoy the chicken expierence its definalty a fun one. Chickens are usually pretty hardy animals as far as weather goes. How cold does it get there? Where I live we had windchills of -10 and they were ok in the coop outside.
LOTS of people here from Alaska and all of them keep their birds outside in the coop. So if you work your ventilation properly and allow them to adjust to the cold temps, they survive all that nature throws at them. There may be times when the temp is going to be 30 degrees or more lower than the normal over night temps, and you may want to add some heat, but for the most part, they do just fine if allowed to acclimate. You will want to chat with others in Alaska on how they do it. Here is the Alaska thread. Introduce yourself and ask all the questions you need to. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/84141/north-to-alaska Your birds could probably handle a small amount of time outside today if it warms up enough, but work them into the colder temps slowly so their bodies can adjust. Good luck with your babies and enjoy BYC!
You mention they are losing weight, have they been wormed and/or checked for mites. Do they like the feed they are getting?
Great to have you join. We offset with additional greens in winter, since everything turns brown. Chickens love it.
I have not wormed them because, I don't know how to do that yet, and not sure how to identifie mites, no, they don't care for the feed very much
Not sure how to check for worms or mites and they eat there feed but we supplement that with lots of greens
