Snowing Heavily, NEED ADVICE!!!!-UPDATED!!!

[leasmom]

I have some babies, they are 2 1/2 months, they are currently in a rabbit hutch coop that is heated with a carpet bottom, tarp on top, and sawdust, the sides are protected from wind/snow with tarp but the front isn't covered...its snowing heavily right now, should I put a towel out there for added warmth? The adults are in a enclosed coop that too is heated...I haven't mixed the littles with the adults yet...should I put them with the adults???

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Quote:
How about using a staple gun to attach some tarp strips to the front of the hutch?

 

[@migocontodos~]

I'm not sure how cold it gets there when it snows, but here if they were in a coop and protected as you've said, I"d not worry one second about them.
I think they'll be just fine!

 

[leasmom]

I put a piece of tarp in front of one spot...there is still ventilation...but it makes it darker for them...is that a bad thing? Should I keep them in there during the entire winter...or should I think about adding them with the hens???

 

[iajewel]

carpet is not as warm as hay. If you don't have hay use leaves or sheaded paper but they need something to hold in thier body heat. snow isn't a bad thing, but young birds need time to put on body mass to be able to take those low temps. Thats why Mother Nature hatches hers in the spring.
Warm water and bedding is about all you can do, and about all they should need.

 

[leasmom]

I don't have any hay or anything tonight...I'll try scrounging up some paper...

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

In a pinch when i had to make an indoor home for a sicky i put a bunch of newspaper through the paper shredder

if they are white they will turn black, but they will be warm...I'd personally cover the front of it during the night when it's coldest....let the sun in in the day...are they huddling and peeping their butts off? if not they are probably ok.

 

[leasmom]

Nope, they were up and eating...acting like normally...this is my first winter and snow with them. I will cover it with the tarp at night. Thanks.

 

[joanc]

I wouldn't put them in with the adults yet. I've got 18 babies about 10 wks old and I'm going to wait until they are at least 16 wks old before integrating them with the 22 adults.

You've got some good advice on how to keep them warm enough. Good luck.

 

[leasmom]

Yeah, they aren't able to defend themselves yet.

The snow is much heavier but I did go out and take the tarp and cover the front and make it where we can lift the tarp during the day and lower it at night. Great Ideal, it solves my problem!!!

And thanks to everyone that responded, I appreciated it!!!