Keeping warm in Wisconsin

[shannonlwenzel45]

Hello. .New to this. I have 3 Isabrowns and 1 Leghorn. I am nervous about our Wisconsin winters coming up. How do I keep my girls happy healthy and laying beautiful eggs.
Any advice would great.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Welcome to BYC fellow Wisconsinite!!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello Shannon, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[drumstick diva]

Thank you for joining us at BYC Shannon. You are very welcome here.

 

[Happy hen lover]

Hello. .New to this. I have 3 Isabrowns and 1 Leghorn. I am nervous about our Wisconsin winters coming up. How do I keep my girls happy healthy and laying beautiful eggs.
Any advice would great.

Pictures of coop and set up will help. How big is your coop etc. Do you have electricity available at coop. ? ISA browns and leghorns are pretty hardy for the most part. How old are your girls.?
I have a coop that can be shut down in winter. Chickens do very well in cold actually. Mine don't like snow but like to be outside if it's dry. When bitter cold I add to their bedding in coop. Make sure coop is big enough so they can stay in when it's nasty. Their combs can get frostbitten in freezing temps. Some say to put vaseline on them but I don't know if that works. There are much more wise chicken keepers here that could help you get ready for cold winter up there. Hopefully they will chime in.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Here are some links that may be helpful:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
• http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-chicken-keeping
  http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-coop-temperature
  Topic of the week - Winter chicken keeping
• Space requirements
• “How to...” guides
• Find other BYC members nearby using the links in my signature, below (turn your phone to landscape to see them).

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hi, and welcome to BYC! We're happy to have you with us!

 

[416bigbore]

Hello Shannon and welcome to BYC, You found an Amazing Poultry Community to be a part of with many great knowledgeable members, who are more then willing to jump in and help you along your journey with any questions you may have.

 

[N F C]

Hello, some great links in @Pork Pie's post, hope they help!

 

[Callender Girl]

Although I fret like, well, a mother hen in the frigid, windy winters of North Central Iowa, the fact is that I've never had an issue with my birds suffering from the cold. As long as they have good shelter with plenty of ventilation to let out all the moisture they produce and access to feed and water, chickens generally do okay in the winter.

As a member of this group, you will have access to advice and support from countless folks who are generous in sharing their experience and knowledge. BYC members aren't shy about sharing what they know!

A big BYC welcome to you and your flock of four!