I need some Ideas to keep my Chickens warm for winter!!!!!

[jim0526]

TerryG, That is a great website that you have going on there. I really enjoyed watching your birds on the hen cam.

 

[Che]

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whats better hay or pine chips or what?

 

[Beekissed]

Pine shavings are best as hay tends to form a "cap" and is harder to fluff and stir when moistened. An easy way to get it turned for you is to throw in a handful of black oil sunflower seeds and let the hens do all the work. They do a better job anyway!

 

[Che]

Quote:
what about cedar?

 

[PressOn]

I am more worried about keeping their water from freezing. Hydration is very important to me. As long as they stay dry, and hydrated, I think the breed I have will be fine. Hydration.

 

[Beekissed]

I know it sounds nice because the smell would be lovely but the oils in cedar can cause respiratory problems. I mixed a little...and I mean a little...in my pine shavings and in the nest box bedding once and a few of the gals started having asthma. All but one stopped within a few days and as the cedar got mixed in and aged, but the one had to be rehomed and it took her a long time to recover even after that.

 

[Che]

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oh crap really? I have been using cedar since they were born.....should I take it out ASAP? I havn't seen any problems but I dont want it start. What should I do

 

[Beekissed]

NOT recommended for chicks! But...hey...don't fix what isn't broken! If your chickens do well with cedar, it is just as lovely as pine for absorbency and will smell great!

 

[Che]

so any idea about a cage?