Negative degrees

[Bcoz18]

Good Evening,
I have 13 egg layers. Here in Missouri at night it’s is in negative numbers.. I have a coop that had the run around the roosting area and the run is fully open with that hard cloth wire stuff.. slipping my mind what it’s called now.. the roosting area is 98% closed up but I’ve noticed that 2 of the chickens comb/wattle is starting to get pale color and one isn’t eating.. thinking they may be to cold..
should I stick a heat lamp in the roosting area? I’m afraid they will get to hot!! The roosting area is big enough for them to get away from the heat but still be warm.. I’m worried about them...

 

[Raeganmh02]

If the roosting area is built like a chicken coop and they are out of the wind, they should be okey. Their body heat should keep them warm if they are all roosting together, especially in an enclosed area. I don’t know a lot about issuing heat lamps to keep birds warm. The coop has always been enough for my flock here in Indiana.

 

[DobieLover]

Good Evening,
I have 13 egg layers. Here in Missouri at night it’s is in negative numbers.. I have a coop that had the run around the roosting area and the run is fully open with that hard cloth wire stuff.. slipping my mind what it’s called now.. the roosting area is 98% closed up but I’ve noticed that 2 of the chickens comb/wattle is starting to get pale color and one isn’t eating.. thinking they may be to cold..
should I stick a heat lamp in the roosting area? I’m afraid they will get to hot!! The roosting area is big enough for them to get away from the heat but still be warm.. I’m worried about them...

Can you post pictures of your setup please?
A heat lamp in a chicken coop if very risky business. Many coops go up in flames each year because of their use. A properly designed coop for the climate in which it will function is essential.

 

[Bcoz18]

Can you post pictures of your setup please?
A heat lamp in a chicken coop if very risky business. Many coops go up in flames each year because of their use. A properly designed coop for the climate in which it will function is essential.

I put the lamp in there and was going to leave it on all night but about 30 minutes into it as I was laying in bed that’s all I could think about so I went and took it out lol it’s suppose to get warmer well not warmer but like 20-30 instead of 4-10 degrees so I hope they can stick it out.

 

[Alaskan]

the roosting area is 98% closed up

I worry that that means they do not have enough ventilation.

A mostly closed up coop results in more frostbite as well as more illnesses.

I’ve noticed that 2 of the chickens comb/wattle is starting to get pale color and one isn’t eating.

Even with perfect management, at some temperature and humidity combinations... some frostbite is inevitable. Frostbite on comb and wattles is usually fine and heals perfectly on its own. It is best to NOT doctor it in any way. Just keep an eye on it.

HOWEVER, a chicken not eating in the cold is a SERIOUS life threatening issue.

It could simply be that with more confinement, the one chicken was bullied away from the feeder, lost vigor, and now is too weak to eat.

Cold chickens are normally voracious, as long as there is enough light for them to be awake.

I would worry that the one chicken that is not eating DOES need to be brought inside and babied a bit.

 

[Byrd gal]

I second the thought any bird not eating needs a once over and if nothing else a spa day to get back on her feet.

 

[aart]

I would worry that the one chicken that is not eating DOES need to be brought inside and babied a bit.

Yep. Needs a 're-set'....just an hour or two in a warmer(not too warm) place can really help.
Details here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-extreme-weather-spiel.75893/

 

[theoldchick]

In that kind of cold any chicken who is not in top condition will have problems. I agree in that the one ailing needs special care which means a vacation in the house until the weather starts acting civilized. Just be aware you may have to reintroduce her carefully with her old friends. Good luck!