question about single digit degrees.

[Teresaann24]

In the next couple of days its going to drop weather wise here in the single digits.

I have no heat for my chicks no eletric to there coops and no way too.

So far everyone has done great with just lots of hay and everything being insulated to keep drafts off them.

I am very worried that my chickens wont make it through these single digit nights with out any type of heat.

I use hay in there coops and in the runs. Is there anything I could do more to help with these single digit days/nights?

 

[Chicken Woman]

I do not have a insulated coop. It is draft free. It has been down to -22 and they have been fine. I did lower the roof with a tarp so there body heat stas closer to the perch instead of rising to the roof.

 

[AngelzFyre]

It doesn't get that cold here...only to the low teens at the worst but I think they should be fine if you've got them inside somewhere that's draft free and insulated. The main thing would be to make sure there's plenty of bedding *shavings etc.* on the ground so they don't get so cold when they're scratching around or eating. Their roost should be a 2X4 or something similar turned on the flat side so they can sit perched on top of their feet to keep them warm. Also if there's not too many that you couldn't catch them all, I'd try a coating of vaseline or bag balm on the combs and wattles to try to keep frostbite away. Most of all make sure they have a fresh supply of thawed water and plenty of feed available along with scratch for added heat as they digest it.
You may have to change the water out several times a day while it's that cold. Hopefully it'll only be a short time you have to do this!

 

[crazyhen]

I do not have that kind of temps here yet. but I have read that taking hay bales and placing them around the outside of coop really helps with the heat and acts like really good insulation. Good luck with your chicks Jean

 

[Reinbeau]

It's supposed to be single digits here, too, overnight. It's been down to 3°F so far already this winter and the birds were fine. As Patandchickens will tell you, ventilation to keep the moisture down is what they really need, not drafts on them but air movement. They'll be fine with good protection, they really don't need heat (unless you're up in the Arctic Circle, as some here are!).

 

[NRacine]

I was just thinking of asking the same thing. I feel like I've done everything I'm supposed to do with the coop to keep it warm yet ventilated. I'm trying really hard to not baby them too much, but I'm worried.

Thursday night is supposed to be -10. I could keep them in the garage at night in a dog kennel wrapped in a tarp and/or blankets. The garage shares 1.5 walls with the house so it's usually above freezing.

Is that babying them too much?

 

[LynneP]

patandchickens HAS A VERY THOROUGH THREAD ON THIS TOPIC, LOOK NEAR THIS ONE.

Join us, for lots of ideas!

Many of us have been through this already this winter and are also bracing for more.

Keeping the water liquid and the birds dry and draft-free is vital They will also eat more food than you can imagine.

 

[digitS']

I resemble that question . . . (Actually, I'm married.

)

It has been 18 below zero Fahrenheit here already this Winter. I guess that's double digitS' below zero temperature but I appreciated the extra warmth, overnight.

The hens have got each other . . . and no "artificial" heat.

Quote:
You and they should be okay going with that.

Steve's digitS'

 

[Chickenaddict]

This weeks forecast here is gonna be really cold!!!! Tonights low without the windchill factor will be -15 Tomorrows high is -4 without the windchill. Wednesday evening is gonna be really bad at -20 overnight with a windchill advisory all week, weatherman just said with the windchill tomorrow morning will feel like -35 below. I was born and raised here and still can't take the cold lol. My poor chickens will be spoiled with 2 250 watt heat lamps this week or i will break down and bring them in the garage.

 

[Teresaann24]

I have been busy al day filling box's coops and runs full of hay.

I have pit tarps and that thick plastic stuff up to block draft from the runs and now or freezing rain from everyone. So everyone is tucked in nice with LOTS of hay and protection all around so I have my fingers crossed everyone does good.

this is my first winter with chickens and I know next year things will be alot different then the way I did things this time around. Everyone is going into those Huge dog crates filled with hay and put into our storage building.

For some reason I have odd chickens who like to stand in the rain and snow...LOL