Opinions of cold climate chicken keepers needed

[No More Empty Nest]

-18 degrees F? Who cares! Taken this morning, they have the choice of whether to go in the coop or go out. My 4th one had hopped down to say hello to me.

 

[aart]

But your earlier point about tree cages is really the thing to keep in mind concerning deer and tree damage, and as you say most of it happens in the winter.

It can happen all year around, but maybe more common in winter.
Big cages, 6' high and 8' diameter. So they can't reach in, even if they use fencing as a step stool.

Interestingly, the local utility company tree trimming crew gave me a couple of loads wood chips/mulch in October... I had them dump it in one big pile and haven't done anything with it yet... but a few weeks ago when we had snow and drop in temps, the deer were climbing all over it, and dug in it in several places. I saw one bed in the snow there, so I was wondering if the pile was composting a bit and putting off heat, and the deer where laying on it to get warm?

I would guess, yes.

 

[Cyprus]

Here’s what some are doing for SMALL flocks during the polar vortex...

View attachment 1659205

Yeah, this didn't fly with my dad

 

[NhRN]

I cut up a huge plastic bag my new mattress came in,.....

Awww that is exactly what I am hoping to achieve! No wind and some warmth! Thank you!

 

[NhRN]

We used 6mil opaque plastic. It is white, so keeps it bright in there. We secured it to the wood frame of the run with furring strips and screws. The only thing I will do differently next yea

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VYJ3A8/?tag=backy-20

Great! I will look for 6mil! Thanks!

 

[lilmillefleur]

-18 degrees F? Who cares! Taken this morning, they have the choice of whether to go in the coop or go out. My 4th one had hopped down to say hello to me.
View attachment 1659216

What beautiful hens! Are they EE Bantams?

 

[OFChickens]

-18 degrees F? Who cares! Taken this morning, they have the choice of whether to go in the coop or go out. My 4th one had hopped down to say hello to me.
View attachment 1659216

They’re SO pretty!!

 

[alex5chickens]

My chickens survived two consecutive -30 degree nights without any heat source. Your bantams should be able to take -15 without heat.

 

[No More Empty Nest]

What beautiful hens! Are they EE Bantams?

Yes they are EE bantams. They're 23 weeks and no eggs yet. Hopefully soon since it's warming up.

They’re SO pretty!!

Thank you!

My chickens survived two consecutive -30 degree nights without any heat source. Your bantams should be able to take -15 without heat.

It ended up getting down to -24 actual temp. They did fine. I did put a heat panel near the roost but it didn't raise the coop temp. It may have warmed them a bit but not much from what my hand could feel near the roost. Not sure it was made for that kind of cold.

 

[Noellereagan]

@No More Empty Nest I just noticed you're in SE Wisconsin. So am I! What town/city are you in? You can PM me if you wish.

Me too. I’m in Big Bend/ Waukesha county.
Btw I did add supplemental heat the last two days because three nights ago (before the -25) my adult RIR got the start of frostbite on his wattle. Of course he’s got a large comb/ wattle.