Sorry I haven't been on much. I've been trying to tie up loose ends around here, wrapping up some projects so I can have a month or so of a break before it's time to start seedlings. (Baby chicks? I'm still thinking about that. It's not nearly as appealing this year.)
So how is everyone surviving the cold? Brrr!
We've needed to replace the pop door on the coop for over a week, but things kept happening that took our attention. So we nailed a piece of plywood to the open pop door, and allowed the chickens in/out the large door during the day. When the temp dropped again, I couldn't let that much heat escape, so we replaced the door yesterday morning. I had a dark quilt draped over the main door of the coop to reduce drafts and heat loss while the chickens used it, and after the new door got replaced I shut the main door and left the quilt on to attract more heat and insulate it. At night I pulled the quilt off so I could use it to cover the rabbit cages, and there were HUGE chunks of ice where the air had escaped through the ventilation areas of the coop and trapped on the quilt. It really made me think about the admonition to keep the coop well ventilated. That blanket was only there for a few hours, and it was heavy with ice.
Anyway, we've been covering the rabbits at night. During the day, I circulate 3 rabbit bottles per coop: one to drink, two to thaw. In the morning I give them a new bottle, then go out an hour later to change it again. I keep a gallon jug by the sink, to remind me to fill the chicken water anytime I wander past. I have a fount heater, but the ducks can splash out a 2-gallon waterer in such a short time. So I have one dog dish out there that I fill, then pour the rest in the fount... about 5 to 6 times a day. And we're careful where else we put water, because I don't want to thaw out another duck. Yard cleanup has been easy, though... a dog drops me a present and it freezes immediately for easy pickup.
In the house, we have the thermostat down to 55 and space heaters/blankets everywhere. We wake up cold and rush into that hot shower and warm clothes. I have the thermostat at the lowest possible point, especially considering this old house has a full metal frame and anything within a foot of the walls is COLD! I had to move my massage lotion because I keep it on a wall shelf, and it wasn't warming up in my hands before I needed it for a client. When my landlady texted me regarding the house heat and making sure the pipes don't freeze, I let her know what our last fuel fill cost us. She freaked out. She admitted that she had never paid for heat in this house, because her brother owns the fuel company and she just got her fills. So I have her sympathy on this... as long as I'm not replacing busted pipes!
But we haven't lost anyone yet, and don't even think we've had frostbit combs. Anyone else?
I'm newly married and really new to the state. Good to meet you all! ~~Jenn
