Went out to feed and water all the animals at 9:30 this morning, and noticed my favorite roo, King Strut, wasn't seeming too perky----his tail was drooping, although he was eating and drinking. I picked him up to check him out, and discovered that his wattles had ice coating them! I guess it was from him getting a drink, and it got down to -9F last night. Also, he had already got a little frost bite on his comb, and I did notice his comb kind of flopped over yesterday, but didn't think too much of it. I brought him in the house, and he's resting in a dog crate with his daughter who has a crippled leg---I figured if one of the hens was coming in to keep him company, it should be her. They have food and water, but he seems wiped out, and she is terrified, so they aren't eating or drinking right now. Later today I will scramble some egg for them, but I think for now they just need peace and quiet. I sure hope the roo makes it, as he is the favorite of the hens. But, if he doesn't, I guess I don't need to get rid of the roo that I've had separated from everyone else because he tried to overthrow King Strut. I can only imagine what Hubby is going to say about chickens in the laundry-room. Oh wel, they'll have to stay there until the outside temps get back to more normal----at least above freezing!
