Orpingtons in cold weather...

[ObamaBrahma]

Hi everyone,

I have 1 Buff Brahma roo, 8 Barred Rock hens, 1 Barred Rock roo and 1 buff orpington roo. I need to finish filling the freezer with the rest of my roos (except the barred rock, he's a keeper). However, the buff orpington seems to be sick or hating the cold weather we've been getting lately. I'm not sure what it is. It's been hovering around -15 C or 5 F up here the last few days (4-5 days) with snow on the ground, etc. All of the birds seem fine in this weather, except the orpington. So, I have a couple of questions.

1. Are orpingtons suited to this sort of climate? I thought they were pretty hardy, but he seemed to be more recluse since the weather changed (even at 20-25 Farenheit). His tail droops, his comb and wattle are more pale, and he seems to spend the majority of his time sleeping. I haven't noticed any irregular stools, though I have noticed he isn't as eager about getting at the food and water.

2. I was going to kill and eat him anyway, but should I be worried about eating him if he's sick?

Otherwise, everything seems to be running smoothly for my first batch of chickens. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[TwoCrows]

Sounds like he may be sick, as Orpingtons are supposed to be very cold hardy. I have 4, 9 month old Black Orpingtons and although the coldest we have seen this winter has been 12 degrees, they pranced around like it was a sunny 70 degree day.

So it is possible that there is something wrong with your Orp. As far as eating him, I would be leary about it until I knew what exactly he had as far as illness.

 

[justbugged]

It doesn't sound weather related to me either. I would worm him, and maybe even start an antibiotic. Don't bother with either option if all you really want to do is send him to freezer camp.

 

[Dirty Farmer]

If he's cold now and dosn't like it. He sure isn't going to be happy being put in your freezer.

 

[egglicious]

He sounds ill. I would not eat him if I were you..