Looking for Winter Advice- What do you wish you had known

[kycowgirlchick]

Ok even though I am a little late on the majority of this thread and it took me about an hour to go over the 20 pages I want to add my 2 cents worth.
In 1 pin I have about 15 cochins and 4 barred rocks. The other I have about 10 silkies/sizzles. The coop was built under a shed built onto my barn. The front side and one side is covered with wire. This is the side to the majority of bad weather. The back side would be under the remainder of the 48 foot shed. Their pins are 24x24. I put 6 foot high pieces of plywood across the majority of the front to block some of the cold air.
For the water I started out with bird bath heaters in their dish of water which took 200watts. So I found an idea on here about a light bulb in a concrete block with the water pan sitting ontop. So at this time this is what I am using. I dug a hole to be able to sit the concrete block in so that the chickens could get to it.
My turkeys are on the other side of the chickens. So they are more away from the weather. I had already purchased a heated bucket for a dog I had at the time. Since the turkeys are bigger they can reach it. I think it draws about 1200 watts.
My goats and horses each have one of the bird bath heaters in them. They will not keep the entire trough thawed in the coldest of weather, but will keep a part of the water thawed.
I was using a timer to kick these on at dark and a couple of times throughout the day, but today on the wonderful byc forum I seen what is called a thermo cube. It turns off stuff pluged into it at say 35 and turns it off at 45. I am going to try that. Tractor supply has them for like $18.
A month ago I looked into the solar thing. Did lots of reseach and even contacted a solar company. They said for running these heaters I would need a system about as big as a house to be able to push those kinds of watts. $8000

I had looked at the solar panels at Tractor Supply that run the gate openers but they only push about 5 amps. I am not good with electricity as far as amps and watts but I know that one of them might would run 1 heater for a short period. The panels, battery and transfer (which the electric to ac) was going to cost about 500. So I forgot that idea for now. You would think that someone could come up with something??
Ok I guess that is enough. There are several forums on winter watering on byc. Lots of wonderful ideas to be found.

 

[digitS']

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4 days until Winter!!! Have we got chicken-keeping in cold weather figured out yet?

Today, for the first time - the coop will have heat! However, the door will be open and the chickens will either be out in the yard doing the Snow Dance or on their sunporch. Nah, they'll be on the porch - they are still afraid of the snow. That sunporch, roofed and floored, is the second best idea I've had for cold, snowy Winters. The best idea is that one-half of the coop is insulated and has an insulated door.

The door will be open today because I'll be out there with an old hair dryer melting the ice that's jamming the door, now cracked open about 1/2 inch. This is NOT the way to ventilate your coop! It happens every Winter, I spill water on the door jam and it jams the door.

Last night it only went down to zero and today there will be snow. Sort of good news since the temperature may climb to 15°F. Yay!!

It's starting to snow! . . . almost time to take out the hair dryer

.

Steve

 

[crazyeggkat]

Hi I need to ask a question about chickens who have frostbite on them. My roosters combs are looking pretty scary top 1/2 so far is black. Is there anything I should or could do for them or do I just late nature take its course?? PLease send me your ideas, Thanks, Kathy.

 

[ruth]

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Hi and welcome to BYC. Lots of great information and helpful people here. However, it would be best to start your own thread, under Emergencies Forum, and post your question so people can find it and help with suggestions. Simply go to that Forum and select Post New Topic.

 

[Mrs MIA]

At this point I would keep them warmer, and let nature take its course. Not much you can do now. Sorry...

I'm in the same boat.

I guess if I had one regret, that would be not insulating the floor of my coops while I had the chance. All of our out-buildings are on skids, and it gets COLD on those floors. Even with deep litter their feet got cold... including the ducks.

 

[ozark hen]

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Welcome to byc!

Glad to have you join us. I pm'd you so please check your messages.

 

[Mom 2em All]

digitS' :

4 days until Winter!!! Have we got chicken-keeping in cold weather figured out yet?

Today, for the first time - the coop will have heat! However, the door will be open and the chickens will either be out in the yard doing the Snow Dance or on their sunporch. Nah, they'll be on the porch - they are still afraid of the snow. That sunporch, roofed and floored, is the second best idea I've had for cold, snowy Winters. The best idea is that one-half of the coop is insulated and has an insulated door.


Steve

I cant remember if I built their porch before or after I started this thread- but it has proved to be a wonderful hangout for my hens. I used plexiglass on the side so they can see through it, and I put two 2x4's across for outdoor roosts between their pophole and the roof.

My girls are afraid of the snow falling, but they have accepted the snow on the ground now. (no choice, it doesn't look like it is going away any time soon.) They hang out on their porch, complaining about the weather.

 

[wings]

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I found one online that was only $20...

 

[tn chick]

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like this idea we have so many leaves i have used them in wood stove to start it but think i like using in coops instead, wonder if you could use the pine needles too?

 

[Davaroo]

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like this idea we have so many leaves i have used them in wood stove to start it but think i like using in coops instead, wonder if you could use the pine needles too?

Ive used both, leaves and pine straw. Neither are terribly absorbent, but they do work.