Help! VERY COLD CHICKENS

[rosemarysugar]

So it has snowed about 10 inches and my chickens are not taking to it very well. They have shelter outside in their yard and a coop so they do have shelter. But...somehow a dusting of snow ALWAYS gets in the coop and the shelter. But anyway temps are about 15 during the day and -7 during the night and some of my birds are in a very bad molt but I don't know what to do?!! When I go outside they are always shaking and just look like they are going to freeze?!!? It got so bad that I but a heat lamp under there shelter ( the shelter is dirt there is no danger) and a board chicken coop heater in the coop and they are still freezing??! What can I do to help them?? I actually worry about them freezing, and there is snow getting into the coop and their shelter??! PLEASE HELP!

 

[chickens really]

Vapour barrier plastic around the Run. Definitely need shelter from wind and elements.

 

[drmolarmagic]

Try wrapping a silver colored tarp around the coop on 3 sides, that should keep the snow drifts out and some of the heat reflected back in.

 

[Folly's place]

Sheet vinyl or something similar on three sides of the run and coop, or four sides, with the upper foot or so on the leeward side open for ventilation. The wind and blowing snow must be blocked!!
Mary

 

[21hens-incharge]

Same boat here.

Do what you can to keep the snow out and ventilation clear.
The wrapped run will act as a greenhouse so definitely keep a gap near the top to let extra heat out.

We should be warming up tomorrow.

Can you post pictures of where the snow is getting in so we can help figure it out for you?

 

[aart]

But...somehow a dusting of snow ALWAYS gets in the coop and the shelter.

Please post some pics of your coop and shelter, inside and out.
You need to find where the snow is blowing in.

 

[rosemarysugar]

Please post some pics of your coop and shelter, inside and out.
You need to find where the snow is blowing in.

Thanks but I got it figured out!

 

[Folly's place]

 

[MROO]

Thanks but I got it figured out!

Hooray! Please share what you ended up doing to locate & fix the problem. You may help someone else save their birds, later on!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It is normal for birds to shiver and look cold when there are sudden temperature drops. They can take some time to acclimate to the new temperatures. Providing wind breaks are important. Don't wrap them up too tight as chick needs good ventilation.

Chickens burn hot. Even when molting they can be okay. Watch for birds that seem shocky, they may need help. Otherwise shivering is nature's way of producing heat, as well as sitting hunched up. They will acclimate and be fine until the next temperature drop when they will do the same all over again.