Phantom_k9
Songster
Good Morning!
I'm sure this site has been / is about to get flooded with post about the cold, and unfortunately I have to contribute.
Winter is just now starting to come around, and I feel a bit underprepared. We usually just open the automatic doors to our coop, and just let our birds free range. In the past, regardless of hot or cold, rain or shine, they always seem to be able to find cover and go about their day in peace. We decided to do the same today, but they haven't left the coop and are all huddled together. Currently, we are sitting at 43 degrees, feels like 35, 19 mph north wind, raining for the next three days (with a high of 48 and a low of 39). I know that you are not supposed to give them supplemental heat unless it is absolutely necessary, but I felt that today defiantly meets that requirement. They were all together, and looked cold. Against my own fears, I replaced one of our lights with a heat bulb and made a "cage" out of scrap hardware cloth. I'll attach pictures. I don't know much about electricity, but should I have any reason to worry? I can go outside and get some measurements of the max wattage rated for the fixture and the bulb itself if I need to.
To make matters worse, one of our hens decided to leave the coop, and go outside. She probably got bullied out of the coop but she could have just wanted to brave the wilds. She found a spot out of the rain, but she still seems cold. Our Roo is out there watching over her, but I still don't know what to do. She is molting, and I don't want to pick her up, and I have online classes so I can't go out there and fortify her fort. We are looking for old rags and blankets, but I just need some advice / reassurances.
I know I sorta rambled, just worried and on a time crunch, about to go to class. Thanks in advance for any tips!
I'm sure this site has been / is about to get flooded with post about the cold, and unfortunately I have to contribute.
Winter is just now starting to come around, and I feel a bit underprepared. We usually just open the automatic doors to our coop, and just let our birds free range. In the past, regardless of hot or cold, rain or shine, they always seem to be able to find cover and go about their day in peace. We decided to do the same today, but they haven't left the coop and are all huddled together. Currently, we are sitting at 43 degrees, feels like 35, 19 mph north wind, raining for the next three days (with a high of 48 and a low of 39). I know that you are not supposed to give them supplemental heat unless it is absolutely necessary, but I felt that today defiantly meets that requirement. They were all together, and looked cold. Against my own fears, I replaced one of our lights with a heat bulb and made a "cage" out of scrap hardware cloth. I'll attach pictures. I don't know much about electricity, but should I have any reason to worry? I can go outside and get some measurements of the max wattage rated for the fixture and the bulb itself if I need to.
To make matters worse, one of our hens decided to leave the coop, and go outside. She probably got bullied out of the coop but she could have just wanted to brave the wilds. She found a spot out of the rain, but she still seems cold. Our Roo is out there watching over her, but I still don't know what to do. She is molting, and I don't want to pick her up, and I have online classes so I can't go out there and fortify her fort. We are looking for old rags and blankets, but I just need some advice / reassurances.
I know I sorta rambled, just worried and on a time crunch, about to go to class. Thanks in advance for any tips!