It's 13 degrees outside...And I am worried

[webbysmeme]

Do you know to put Vaseline on their combs and legs? It will help prevent frostbite!

 

[analyticalblonde]

Do you know to put Vaseline on their combs and legs? It will help prevent frostbite!

I have read to do this but when do you do it? Do you put it on just before a hard freeze or keep it on continuously throughout the winter?

 

[RaZ]

Unfortunately, the run is NOT draft-free. The coop is integrated within the run. I have wrapped the entire run in segments but there are gaps where the snow can drift in; it keeps the winds and driving snow at bay but it is not full-proof. It was the best we could do and is NOT full proof; there are gaps where the snow gets in. The gaps are about 2 inches wide where the snow flows through. The picture is the run/coop from this past summer...all of the areas around the run have been wrapped at this time.

It is the coop that should be draft free. You don't want a breeze ruffling their feathers while they sleep. The run (outdoors) would benefit from a few wind blocks that the chickens can hide behind. A few straw bales would suffice.

 

[webbysmeme]

I hooked up with a gal and her husband who have started a farmer's market but it is not going right now and won't start up again until June next year...farmer's markets are usually about the things that are grown from the land not above the land. I have put my eggs for sale on local social media platforms and I do give them to my neighbors...I have way too many for just my home. I also give them to my sons when I can see them. Even when my girls are too old to lay anymore, I will still care for them in their sunset years because after all, I'm there too!

Well, one of these nights when we are up like this, I will tell you my story and about how I fell madly in love with these old girls I have. They are the reason I bought more! I love my girls the same as I love my dogs. No one understands that, except thrones that have their own to love.

 

[analyticalblonde]

It is the coop that should be draft free. You don't want a breeze ruffling their feathers while they sleep. The run (outdoors) would benefit from a few wind blocks that the chickens can hide behind. A few straw bales would suffice.

The coop seems to be draft-free...it is housed inside of the run space. However, it is showing bowing is some areas because it is an aftermarket built product. We did not build it ourselves and it will be demolished this coming spring to be replaced with a much sturdier built coop. What is there now is what we have to deal with and hence, every possible precautionary measure I have tried to put into place. My husband even bought a sewing machine to sew panels that we strapped around the run to keep the winds, rain, and snow from getting into the run.

 

[webbysmeme]

I have read to do this but when do you do it? Do you put it on just before a hard freeze or keep it on continuously throughout the winter?

Just when it gets and stays below freezing..for a day or two.
Bless your heart! You will need to buy the family size jar where you live! LMBO Sorry.

 

[analyticalblonde]

It is the coop that should be draft free. You don't want a breeze ruffling their feathers while they sleep. The run (outdoors) would benefit from a few wind blocks that the chickens can hide behind. A few straw bales would suffice.

The coop, for the most part, is draft-free but not totally. The wood of the coop is starting to bow in places...it is not the best set-up for a coop as it was a pre-fab that was purchased from Tractor Supply. My DH & I spent a lot of time making tweaks to the set up because the system was not perfect but only after 8 months, it is truly a temporary situation and we both have realized that by very early spring, a "real" coop will need to be built and the one they are in will need to be demolished.

 

[webbysmeme]

The coop seems to be draft-free...it is housed inside of the run space. However, it is showing bowing is some areas because it is an aftermarket built product. We did not build it ourselves and it will be demolished this coming spring to be replaced with a much sturdier built coop. What is there now is what we have to deal with and hence, every possible precautionary measure I have tried to put into place. My husband even bought a sewing machine to sew panels that we strapped around the run to keep the winds, rain, and snow from getting into the run.

Good night all you fine folks. I'm going to bed so I can get up early to take care of the girls! I suggest y'all do the same! You know we'll all be hauling water out to our coops first thing in the morning. I'm fixing scrambled eggs for mine and maybe even some cream of wheat! That's the old girls favorite! Sweet dreams!

 

[Phoenix rizing]

I do not have electricity for my coop or run...

I have put out straw and hay in the run...

I have fine pine shavings in their coop...

I go out each day and toss each to keep it fluffed and not matted...

But tonight, it has dropped to 13 degrees...I have brought out warm to hot oatmeal each dusk for them to have as energy overnight...

Each day, I bring them some sort of greens to eat as well as Grubblies...

But this is the worst frigid cold...I look every day to see if there is frostbite...none yet so far...but some of my girls are lifting their legs to tuck under their bodies...who could blame them!

I am stressed because the temps are just brutal and I do have a thermal dog dish to keep their water from freezing which I change EVERY day (I have an extension cord running 50 feet to the run to power the bowl) and have completely wrapped the run as best as I could but it is not solid and the winter winds and snow can still get in...but MY GOSH it is colder than a Husky would like it!

I have 2 of each...Ameraucanas, Barred Rocks, New Jerseys Reds, Lavender, and Buffs...each I chose because all are cold & hot tolerant but jeesh....how can I make them through double to single-digit cold...I have already had to do miracles with triple digits this past summer!

What am I do to do...I am afraid of everything...I have tried to think of everything I could and I will go out tomorrow and I am afraid to find one of my girls frozen with frostbite or dead...

Is there anything I can do?

By the way, the temp just dropped to 12 degrees...HELP!

Ugh im in northern maine I feel you're pain I also made a thread post about cold is here I was told "unless they are chicks no heat needed" ??? Ugh no wayyyy!!!! 75% humidity im in north eastern Alaska up here lol I run 2 heat lights brood lights whatever and umm Gonna continue .. I'm a mess in Maine also but my girls are not uncomfy looking at all so far ( yip I been out 3 times it's 0 degrees here with wind im a mess too..

 

[Phoenix rizing]

I have to say I feel better im not only one worried