Help! Unexpected winter storm

[Advar85]

Hi there, in a couple of days we will have the coldest day in my lifetime (35 years). Temperatures are expected to drop in southeast Texas (border) 21 F. My hens and roo have a coop but I don’t know if I need to take extra precautions. Please any advice from northern folks that are used to this temperature, we aren’t used to this weather, some of my Christmas had been in the 90s F. Any tips will help; by the way I have 5 red Rhode Island beauties, a Delaware doll, and a handsome Andalusian.

 

[deidreg]

I wish we could stay at 21 degrees every night! You're birds are tougher than you think. If they've been outside, they're already experienced with some colder temps. The key is to keep them in a well-ventilated, dry, draft free coop. Don't close up vents thinking it will help. You'll just build up moisture which could cause them frostbite. They'll huddle together if they need to. But chickens are very good at keeping themselves warm. I promise!

 

[tripletfeb]

I wish we could stay at 21 degrees every night! You're birds are tougher than you think. If they've been outside, they're already experienced with some colder temps. The key is to keep them in a well-ventilated, dry, draft free coop. Don't close up vents thinking it will help. You'll just build up moisture which could cause them frostbite. They'll huddle together if they need to. But chickens are very good at keeping themselves warm. I promise!

Not much to add to this except, make sure their water doesn't freeze. 21° is balmy for chickens, they will be fine. Just follow this advice and good luck

 

[Mrs. K]

At 21 F, all you really need is a wind shelter. If your coop blocks the prevailing wind, the temperature is not a problem.

 

[icy_flames]

I wish it was 21 F over here. I'm at -4 in Colorado as I post this. Very important you make sure their water does not freeze and they have good ventilation in the coop. Give them extra scratch in the mornings so it jump starts their metabolism. Digesting food creates heat. Don't lock them in coop. They will go in and out as they please. Mine are outside right now.

 

[Jack n Joy]

Good morning, here in Sweetwater Texas we have 16 degrees - expecting 0 in the nights ahead. Sooo went to Tractor Supply and bought a 3-gal heated waterer. Lady there told me she has around 150 chickens (we have 12). Said in winter she sprinkles Cayenne Pepper on the feed or scratch grain. “Helps warm from the inside.” Any thoughts about the pepper?

 

[deidreg]

Don't know about the pepper, but I wouldn't do it. Scratch will help them stay warm just fine.

 

[Niche Flock]

It has been so cold in Upstate NY, would love a 40 degree day. When it dips below 20 degrees I make sure my ducks have extra shavings and give them a high protein snack before bed, like some mealworms. Incorporating a bit more corn in their food might chub them up a bit, and would help keep them warm.

 

[21hens-incharge]

We are forecasted to be NEGATIVE 17 tomorrow night.

Fear not as long as they are healthy fully feathered birds in a dry well ventilated coop they can handle it just fine.

In fact my bantam coop is compromised of 3 bantam cochins all over 5 years.

My big breeds range from 5-6 months to 5 or so years.

Hang in there and observe their behavior. You may be surprised when they are all chickening while we are all freezing.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Great advice above!
I would love 21°F, that would be an amazing heat wave. Hopefully, in a few weeks we will have some temperatures above zero.
Your bird have amazing insulation in their feathers.