INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[pginsber]

I'm stuck traveling to Wash DC for the next week for work. At the airport now, thinking this is the only kind of chicken I'll be seeing for a week-Grrr! Miss my girls already.

 

[hogster160]

Ok well I went and bought a new thermostat, shows humidity too. Its 15 deg F with 69% humidity outside. Its 19 deg F with 68% humidity inside the coop. So I don't really think there is much I can do to lower it any. Please correct me if I am wrong. I do not want the frostbite to get worse. All windows are closed and vents too. The only thing open is the rafter spaces on the east and west wall. Keeping an eye on the humidity in the coop, so I can go out and open more up if I need to.

I had coconut oil here in the kitchen cabinet so I used it. They didn't like it any, but its on. Hopefully that will protect them better. Thanks for the idea on it!

 

[hogster160]

I'm stuck traveling to Wash DC for the next week for work. At the airport now, thinking this is the only kind of chicken I'll be seeing for a week-Grrr! Miss my girls already.

Have a good week, hopefully it goes fast for you. I am sure your girls are going to miss you as much as you miss them. Be safe and try to stay warm!

 

[Leahs Mom]

I have not seen any mice in my hen shed so far. But I have seen some mouse prints around the outside of the run. I may never have a problem but I know that some folks do in the winter.

I posted this over on the natural chicken keeping thread but wanted to post here too.

​

********

Has anyone used these in or around the hen houses/runs?

There are a whole group of videos here: http://www.youtube.com/user/earthkind2010/videos

http://www.earth-kind.com/faq/

You can get it at Menards and local hardware stores too.
http://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Cab-Rodent-Repellent-Pouch/dp/B0021LWPPY



I got some and put it where I store my feed but haven't put any in the hen house as of yet. I have seen one distributor that markets if for, and uses it in, her hen house. I just want to take some time to check it out better to be very sure it isn't harmful to the birds should they decide to take a taste.

 

[hogster160]

I haven't even heard of it. Let us know how it works

 

[kabhyper1]

Hope everybody is staying warm! Our critters are snuggled in their straw and packed into their roosts. We are toasty and warm making mashed potatoes and beef and noodles. I am anxiously awaiting pics from JChaney2000 of the baby silkies!!!!!!! I really wish spring started next week.

 

[minmin1258]

Pip so sorry bout it puter... Technology sucks sometimes. Hope u can retrieve ur work.

 

[pginsber]

Snuggled in straw with beef, potatoes and noodles sounds Awesome!! Sign me up!

Hogster: what humidity % are you targeting?

 

[bradselig]

So having my incubator turned off only lasted about a week! Well my cabinet is still turned off, I just loaded up the little giant, with about 40 eggs. I have no will power lol.

 

[hogster160]

Snuggled in straw with beef, potatoes and noodles sounds Awesome!! Sign me up!

Hogster: what humidity % are you targeting?

I'm not really sure lol. I have 2 birds who got frostbite from this latest freeze we had. I'm confused because the thermostat shows humidity as high, yet we have no condensation on the windows, no freeze on the windows either. But 2 with frostbite. So I bought a digital one, which shows the %. The humidity inside the coop is very close to the humidity in the air outside currently 68%. All the widows are closed, as well as the vents. I'm guessing the humidity isn't really the problem. As much as its just cold as all get out. Just trying to prevent any more damage to their combs.

Tomorrow I'm going out to get some bales of hay to line the coup with. As well as more bedding for the coup. I have about 8" or so now. I might put some bales around the outside too as the coup is raised, so the cold air blows under it. And we have a lot of cold air atm.

I just really don't know about this ventilation. All of mine is at roof level, its in the eves, they are all open and covered with hardware cloth. Thinking about closing up the West side with some cardboard as well. I do have snow blowing in the eves the last 2 nights.