Okies in the BYC The Original

[Cuban Longtails]

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I wouldn't be able to function if it got that cold. I can barely handle the temps now. I need to get me some gloves or something for outside work.

 

[nnbreeder]

Here is a winter tip to those with hutch type pens.

Cover three sides with canvas type tarps or even old curtains. Make sure they go all the way to the ground and then spray them with water when it's below freezing. Once the water freezes wind will not go through it and it will keep drafts off the birds.

 

[poultryand bees]

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Excellent idea! Much better than trying to keep a tarp from flapping in the wind.

 

[Cuban Longtails]

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If only water would stay frozen around here for any amount of time.

 

[nnbreeder]

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I still have a few things to do like pull all of the waterers but the birds will be ok tonight. Since I can come in and warm up I am taking advantage of it. Tomorrow it looks like I will be working outside most of the day and won't have that option.

 

[BetsyOK]

Got my six OEGB rooster and cockerels combs and wattles coated with vaseline. Hasn't been cold enough here until to night to worry about it. They pitch a fit when I catch them but seem to enjoy my rubbing their combs. It really does make a difference.

 

[CityClucks]

Hi Okies! You guys were funny while I was gone...STIMPY!!

I got a new work computer so I've been working on setting it up tonight...which means I'll probably lose a bunch of important stuff no matter how many different ways I've backed it up.

What'chya gonna do? Hey - but I'm on BYC so that's a good sign!

This morning when I checked the birds their water outside was frozen. I have a 2 gallon waterer inside up on some bricks in a corner of the coop, and it wasn't frozen. I have 12 LF laying pullets in a 6' x 8' coop and I guess they do put off some heat. Jack got me a 50 watt battery heater to put under the outside waterer - it's a thin plastic sheet with an element inside, I guess - I have my 5 gallon outdoor waterer on bricks with the battery heater under it. It's on a Thermocube so the power comes on when the temp drops to 35 degrees F - goes off at 45 degrees. We'll see how that works tonight.

 

[countyroad1330]

Dang it, I forgot to get my little water warmers from Atwoods!

The thermometer says it just dropped to 23 here, wow! Ya'll are lucky to be warm at home, we have to go grocery shopping when hubby gets off late tonight.

 

[muesky]

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I read Living on Less, it was a really interesting read. There is another book called "Eating for $5 a Day", it is a bit more radical but is a good companion to Living On Less. I am working towards becoming a lot more self sufficiant. Part of that is working towards living within my means and becoming debt free. I am wanting get a garden ready for the spring and was wondering if maybe we "all the BYC Okies" on here should grow different things so we can trade produce. We are planning to grow some more unusual veggies and fruits. Just one of my plans towards self-sufficiancy.

 

[nnbreeder]

They also make a do-dad called a battery blanket. Basically the same thing but it wraps a set of four batteries. I'm thinking the ones we got were made buy either Zero-Cold or Signal Stat.

Years ago they had plans in M.E.N. of a small shed that held small animals like rabbits and chickens and it was heated by hot compost generated by the residents inside. And no, properly made compost does not stink.