Hello, new member

[Aviary junkie]

Hi I am a new member. In May I got 6 bantam pullets, various breeds. After quarantine, I just added three more pullets, they are establishing the new pecking order and so far, so good. I have a few questions:

My chickens just started molting, one in particular has lost a lot of feathers. Since I live in Wisconsin and it gets cold here, should I worry about her getting too cold outside? Should I assume that she will come in on her own if she is too cold?

I have a base heater for the waterer. I am nervous to plug it in, is this thing a fire hazard?

My chickens are not really laying much at all right now, should I assume this is because of the combination of new chickens, molting and shorter days?

 

[Bantimna]

first

.

My chickens just started molting, one in particular has lost a lot of feathers. Since I live in Wisconsin and it gets cold here, should I worry about her getting too cold outside? Should I assume that she will come in on her own if she is too cold?

I think you should make sure that she doesn't get cold.

is this thing a fire hazard?

Personaly I haven't used it. But it might be.​

 

[canada-goose]

 

[Imp]

from Washington

The answer to all three of your questions is probably Yes. Be careful if the heater is in contact with anything combustible, like bedding etc.

Imp

 

[usschicago1]

to the best chicken website outhere!
i wouldnt worry too much about it being too cold because it has the other 6 for warmth. Mine all huddle together. I would definitly keep a close eye on it just to be safe. Also i have also never had a heated waterer base but i would imagine it would be dangerous as woodshaving are dry and easily flammable. Be careful

|when chickens molt they dont lay, with shorter days they dont lay as much so you are absolutly correct!
Mark In Taunton Ma

 

[Elite Silkies]

 

[1/2DozenWings]

Hi,

I'm new, too

Why do chickens (birds in general) moult? What evolutionary advantage does this convey?

I've got two EE hens.......planning my order from mypetchicken.com for next spring tho.

 

[eggsrcool]

from England! Glad to have you here!

 

[eggsrcool]

Quote:
Birds moult because over time their feathers become dirty, worn and overall just horrible looking. Every year they have to shed their feathers for the year ahead so they have good looking feathers. Not to mention the roosters have to look good for the girls

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! Glad you joined us!