Keeping warm in winter

[Bella Dominique]

I have an area where they can get completely out of the wind. Last year we had snow and 17 degrees with heavy wind. The girls that were still molting usually stayed in the this area. I had one that would just hunker down in the cold so I would entice her into the enclosed area and she would usually stay there for most of the day.

 

[NaperLix]

Here,here! They are jungle birds.Just because they don’t drop dead,dos t mean they are not suffering,wishing for a warmer home,if they could wish.
Poor poultry,always mistreated.They are very smart,they suffer everywhere.
I use “cozy coops “and they are safe,not a lamp,and they love the warmth.
Had chickens many years.Always spoiled them rotten,like a pet cat or dog.
They have air conditioning and heat.Lots sand and dirt boxes,A strong hawk net,above them.I don’t have my lovely hens on a whim.Couple have special needs because of careless breeder farms,I take care of them as well.
They are very healthy,( my vet says)very happy,no feather picking ,no colds from going outside.All a myth,if you have heat,or air.
Power,yes,it’s gone out,no big deal.No one got sick.I don’t leave them unattended anyway.
If they could talk,they would say, they’re thankful they live in a caring ,forever home.

 

[Chickenclaude]

I put Christmas tree lights that are inside a tube and wrap it around the perch..I’m in CT where winters are cold and snowy. -15o lows and Ave daily temps 25-35o. The coop has lucite panels 10”x 4’ that runs under the roof line for natural light. I can feel warmth when I open the doors to ck the girls.
the lights add just enough warmth ( you can hold them comfortably). The heat bulbs make me nervous. J MO

 

[NaperLix]

Iceland is warm! Like Tennessee .32 winter,55 summer.perfect.
Im at 18 now,it’s only November,January below zero all the time.

By the way,Greenland is much colder then iceland.

 

[srcannello]

I am a new chicken mom. Three hens small coop, it's a bunny hutch, but I double insulated it with styrofoam and some foil bubble wrap that this forum member recommended. I live in Colorado Springs. It is going to be 5 degrees tomorrow night. I have a temp reader in the coop. It consistently reads 10 degrees warmer than outside. I have a large box in the house just in case I need to bring them inside. I put Vaseline on their feet and combs. What temp would you recommend bring them inside?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I am a new chicken mom. Three hens small coop, it's a bunny hutch, but I double insulated it with styrofoam and some foil bubble wrap that this forum member recommended. I live in Colorado Springs. It is going to be 5 degrees tomorrow night. I have a temp reader in the coop. It consistently reads 10 degrees warmer than outside. I have a large box in the house just in case I need to bring them inside. I put Vaseline on their feet and combs. What temp would you recommend bring them inside?

You shouldn't have to bring them inside.

How's the ventilation in the coop? Even in winter you still need ventilation up high 24x7. Frostbite occurs from moisture building up + lower temperatures - without seeing your coop it sounds like you might have buttoned up a lot to keep them warm in exchange for compromising ventilation.

As far as vaseline a lot of us don't buy into the claims about vaseline (I tried it the first year, just got a lot of dirty combs).

 

[srcannello]

You shouldn't have to bring them inside.

How's the ventilation in the coop? Even in winter you still need ventilation up high 24x7. Frostbite occurs from moisture building up + lower temperatures - without seeing your coop it sounds like you might have buttoned up a lot to keep them warm in exchange for compromising ventilation.

As far as vaseline a lot of us don't buy into the claims about vaseline (I tried it the first year, just got a lot of dirty combs).

I check my ventilation with the same reader in the coop. I is usually close to the same humidity as outside or a little bit less humid than outside.
I agree that the comb does get dirty. I have no idea if Vaseline works but I thought I'd try it on the very coldest nights.
So you think it's ok if it gets below zero even? I guess their size makes me feel they are vulnerable.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I check my ventilation with the same reader in the coop. I is usually close to the same humidity as outside or a little bit less humid than outside.
I agree that the comb does get dirty. I have no idea if Vaseline works but I thought I'd try it on the very coldest nights.
So you think it's ok if it gets below zero even? I guess their size makes me feel they are vulnerable.

Good to know on the humidity, that's ideal to compare it to what you have outside.

And yes most chickens can handle temps below zero, as long as they have a dry and draft free place to roost and shelter as needed - exceptions might be young chicks, older birds, sick birds, or birds with unusual plumage (frizzle, silkie, etc). Otherwise as long as your coop fits that description that's what they need.

 

[srcannello]

I check my ventilation with the same reader in the coop. I is usually close to the same humidity as outside or a little bit less humid than outside.
I agree that the comb does get dirty. I have no idea if Vaseline works but I thought I'd try it on the very coldest nights.
So you think it's ok if it gets below zero even? I guess their size makes me feel they are vulnerable.

I checked my humidity and it is 50% but it is snowing. The weather website says it it 91% humidity in my area. That seems good. In nice weather the humidity outside and in the coop have been very close

 

[srcannello]

Good to know on the humidity, that's ideal to compare it to what you have outside.

And yes most chickens can handle temps below zero, as long as they have a dry and draft free place to roost and shelter as needed - exceptions might be young chicks, older birds, sick birds, or birds with unusual plumage (frizzle, silkie, etc). Otherwise as long as your coop fits that description that's what they need.

Thank you. That makes me feel better. I will get more confident with time. It helps to get encouraging feedback.