Maine

[card5640]

I put plastic around their play yard to cut down on the wind. I have had to reduce their play area to do it,also they are more likely to go outside when the wind is less. My white rocks used to get frost bite on the very tips, it didn't seem to bother them much.

 

[happytraylz]

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Beautiful assortment of eggs!

 

[Speed]

Happytraylz, where in southern Maine are you? I'm in the Berwicks.

 

[happytraylz]

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I'm in Buxton, about 20 mins west of Portland..

 

[Coldweatherbirds]

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Does the heat lamp cause harm? I don't think it does much good for warmth, but I like the red glow to check on them at night. I don't know how to judge if the frostbite is bad or not. Maybe I can get a pic today and someone can tell me. I'll have my DH pick up vaseline at the store today. And maybe bacitracin for me... I'll need it after trying to catch Smokey for a picture... LoL.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I wouldn't use a heat lamp in my coop for a few reasons:
1. The risk of starting a fire
2. If my power goes out (which it does frequently) the birds then aren't used to the cold
3. By warming the air you get more moisture in it - bad for their respiratory system and can cause frostbite.
4. Potentially messing up the circadian rhythm of the birds due to the light.

I wear a head lamp when I go out to check on them. Hands are free to do what I like, and it has 3 settings: mega bright white, low white and red. Turn it on red if you don't want to wake them too much.


I'll see if I can get a picture of my leghorns wattles today. She has a slight bit of frostbite but nothing that I'm going to treat right now.

 

[Coldweatherbirds]

Here are my frostbite pics. I couldn't get his comb really well, but you can get an idea of what I'm looking at. And it is only him, my hens are all ok.

 

[buckabucka]

I've never had a frostbite issue, other than the tips of my leghorn's comb, and I don't heat at all. It looks like the spots on Smokey's wattles could have come from getting wet while drinking? But the other spot on the comb, I'm not sure.

 

[Widget]

Anyone have opinions on Welsh Harlequins and Silver Appleyard ducks? I am placing my Holderreads order for this Spring on Wednesday and thought about ordering a few of each. I am also getting a few Runners and Saxonies but wanted to try a couple other breeds as well. Heck after last years fantastic order I would love to have a few of each breed they sell but space and poultry budget say no. I could always go with one of their assortments and see what I get but the longer I debate the more I change my mind.

 

[bwockbwock]

Anyone have recommendations for a reliable dark brown egg laying breed? My chickens free range during the day, in the barn at night, and unheated barn in the winter.