Integration during frigid winter?

Disecky

Chirping
Jun 27, 2020
65
48
91
BerkshireCounty Western MA
Good Morning All, I am looking for some input about temp flux and bird integration. I have done spring, summer, and fall integration with my flock successfully since starting with chickens. My question or concern is, how to do this now during harsh winter?
I am worried about going from warm house to freezing cold and the stress of integration.

I have a 1.5 year old silkie who I have had inside for a couple weeks. She is in heated finished basement and fine now, I am hoping to get her back out with the flock.

Our temps are hovering in and around single digits on some days, dipping down below zero on some nights. Anywhere from -9 to 20s/low 30s.

I do have radiant heat panels in my 4x8 chicken chick essential coop. Not looking to get into heated coop debate here 😉

I have 8x8 covered, fully protected run that I keep birds locked in during really bad snowy, icy, windy days.
I have larger fenced area/yard for “free ranging”.
On most days birds go out, I shovel snow and put down shavings, leaves, pine needle paths, trying to prevent frostbite on feet.

My plan is to start by hanging large crate inside the covered 8x8 slightly off the ground, should I only put her back outside for short periods of time to get used to temp change, or is it bad to keep bringing her in and out. I can set her up in a hospital setup I have in the garage and set specific temp.

I have included a few images of my setup.

thanks so much
liseann
 

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You want to spend a few days gradually getting her used to reduced temps. I would start her out by giving her a few hours in the run during the warmest part of the day. Next day, increase the time she spends outdoors. This will gradually integrate her while acclimating her to the cold. After about three days of this, you can probably move her into the coop and if she's getting along with the others, she will probably do okay.
 
You want to spend a few days gradually getting her used to reduced temps. I would start her out by giving her a few hours in the run during the warmest part of the day. Next day, increase the time she spends outdoors. This will gradually integrate her while acclimating her to the cold. After about three days of this, you can probably move her into the coop and if she's getting along with the others, she will probably do okay.
Thank you 👍
 

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