My Bantam is miserable in the cold, please, what do you do? UPDATE

[Carrie Lynn]

Thank you all for your help and advice, it is appreciated!
In answer to some questions...
>The banty will not cuddle with the 2 juvenilles, she's so scrappy. So the 2 juvies cuddle.
>My remote thermometer won't work in the coop, need to get a plain old thermometer.
>They get oatmeal and other grains for dinner (uncooked).
>They get warm water before bed, it starts to ice over a little by morning when I change it for warm.
>I thought egg-laying might be painful well before she lays because of the screeching prior to laying, also she becomes very restless and doesn't eat. After she lays she is calm and eats.
>The daytime temps have been in low-mid 20's, nights in the low teens.
>I've been using black light bulbs for some warmth at night and to keep the water from freezing.
>The roost is a 2x4, wide side up.
>The coop, not yet insulated, is 4x4x4, with lots (too much?) of ventilation. There is no wind, protected with tarp.

I caved and moved them all into the unattached, partially open garage. Although I know better, I put in a heat lamp (well-secured), it warms the area somewhat, enough that the water is icy cold but not frozen. I didn't plan to use heat but the banty is more comfortable.
This afternoon she was being so mean to the juvenilles, I went to pick her up, and she so wanted to be held and cuddled. I moved her to a smaller wire cage and moved the light closer to her. She started beeping happily, I haven't heard her usual "happy" sounds since it got cold. She seems so content, and laid an egg. The light is not close enough to heat her, just warms the area a little. I also noticed her drinking (lots) of the tepid water, she doesn't drink much when the water is icy cold.
I do not want a house chicken! The dust will be a problem (allergies), and re-integrating her will be difficult in the spring. But, I don't want her just to survive and be miserable for months. Nor do I want the standards to become acclimated to a heated coop. I'd try to rehome her, but I'm really attached to her, she's really sweet with me, and the others just tolerate me (unless I have food that is).
I'm thinking a flat panel heater might be the best option for her, but it goes against my plan not to add heat.

Carrie Lynn

 

[daze333]

One thing I do for bantams that are colder than the rest and doesn't warrant a heat lamp in the coop is to make them a fleece jacket. I just make a rectangle about 8x12 inches and lay the long side right to left. Then about 1 inch down from the top (the long side away from you) I make 2 slits about 3 inches long going from top to bottom. These are the wing holes. I put it on them like a vest. If the wing holes are tight I just cut the slits a little more. (I do this like a tailor would on a person-making it sorta on them) Then once you have it on the bird you cut on the left and right about 1/2 inch from the top (front of bird) on the long side. You are going to make to ribbons to tie in the front chest area of the bird. Cut them almost all the way to the bird, they will probably be 3 -4 inches long. Then tie them in a double knot snuggly in front of the bird. Then you just cut off the excess on the sides. I usually follow the line of the bird. I hope this is understandable. If not and you are really interested, PM and I will see if I can do a picture tutorial.
PS I usually try to match the color of the fleece to the color of the bird as best I can. I have a frazzle that wears her jacket all winter.

 

[Buugette]

My silkies nuggle and stay warm... but my polish bantam (Wilamena) comes in every night. She tolerates the daytime temps... but come night... she is looking for me to bring her in. She will even tap on the sliding door so I don't forget.

I don't have much of a problem with dust... she has a nice little rabbit cage with pellets... she is happy and warm.

Diana

 

[Carrie Lynn]

LOL, how funny is that! I would never have thought of a jacket.
Does she mind wearing it? Has she ever gotten her feet caught up in it?
I wonder about preening, to avoid mites and such, if left on day and night.
Does that seem to bother your's?
I'll PM you if I make one and need help, thanks for offering assistance.

Carrie Lynn

 

[daze333]

Quote:
Hi Carrie,
Yes it is a funny idea, but my little frazzle hen seems to love it! She just preens around and under it. I put DE on her and under the jacket, hopefully this helps with bugs. No she does not mind wearing it. No she has never gotten caught up in it, because it is not near her feet. I trim off any excess. I have 3 frizzles wearing them and they do fine. Seem healthier for it. Otherwise they seem to sit around huddled and cold.
Good luck!

 

[daze333]

PS I wonder if these would work as a saddle too? I supposed it would be too warm for warmer weather though.

 

[heather112588]

idk if this will help- When temperatures dropped, we didnt want to use alot of electricity (aka. heat lamps and energy sucking bulbs) and we couldn't insulate the coop bc it was too cold. We compromised and put a small heating pad in the corner where they sleep. It doesn't use that much electricity and it was cheap...they couldnt be happier that their legs dont freeze.