that is my belief and the beleif of probably every person who posts on the old timer thread. for the record, I'm not oldI was just going to ask how you guys felt about a heat lamp, but you have a point about weak birds. I am a little worried because I have invested in some silkies with show quality lines and they are gorgeous little chicks, I would hate to lose them because it's FREEZING. Ugh...
No problem for silkies. Mine did just fine in their coop and run this past winter and I hauled water to them daily. No room for a heated waterer. As long as there are no drafts, your silkies should do just fine. Heres a pic of their setup. The run has a roof on it now and the whole thing is under a big pine tree.I was just going to ask how you guys felt about a heat lamp, but you have a point about weak birds. I am a little worried because I have invested in some silkies with show quality lines and they are gorgeous little chicks, I would hate to lose them because it's FREEZING. Ugh...
I just know how FREEZING I am, and I am not old either. lol If I wrap the coop and the run in greenhouse plastic they should be good and still be able to get outside. I might not make it outside though.....that is my belief and the beleif of probably every person who posts on the old timer thread. for the record, I'm not old. I'm sure some on this thread probably use heat lamps. I have a neighbor 3 miles down the road who does. And you NEVER see his chickens outside from November to March. Poor birds. Can't take the cold. Mine out everyday at 20 below zero or 95 and humid
Awww, I love the pink coop!No problem for silkies. Mine did just fine in their coop and run this past winter and I hauled water to them daily. No room for a heated waterer. As long as there are no drafts, your silkies should do just fine. Heres a pic of their setup. The run has a roof on it now and the whole thing is under a big pine tree.
.
Rancher, how do you ventilate? I only used my hoop coop until December, when I processed. Sometimes The condensation would be dripping from the ceiling. I love it all summer when I leave the sides open. I covered the sides and used it as a green house over my kale.This is my hoop coop. Of all the roos the one in here is the only one who didn't get frost bit. I don't have a close up but it stayed about 10 degrees warmer than the wooden coop. As you can see I cover the runs with plastic so the birds can go out in the winter on dry ground. I think if you search hoop coops you'll find more pics. Heres the newest not yet done but soon. I will cover it with a camo. tarp so it will be less visible. It's only a half but it will hold 6 large birds easy.
As for ducks the ALBC has a list of which are critical and which lay well. I think their site might have a listing, like they do for chickens.
Most of us on this thread are "up staters" while the "down staters" will visit. Try https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/534036/southern-ny-dutchess-county-and-below/5800#post_9229137 started by chicken al for people on Long Island and closer to the city. Good luck and have fun!!!
I move my chicken coop to the south of the house, put up the poultry netting, put out the heated dog bowl and we are good to go. I do not insulate(though I think about every November) and definitely do not heat. Make sure your coop is draft free, but with enough ventilation so that condensation does not form. It is not terrible to be thinking of winter already! I keep looking at this years hatch saying "OK, freezer camp for you" Or," your a good looking bird...you'll make a good breeder for next year"!!!
