Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[JerseyHen]

I have not had too much trouble with the cold. I mean, they don't seem to like it, but they do alright in it. I have lost more birds to the heat than the cold. This is winter number 4 for me. I have put Vaseline on those with the really floppy combs and waddles to help prevent frostbite when it is this cold out. I will keep them cooped in tomorrow to preserve the warmth in the coops, but we don't insulate or provide supplemental heat in there. Dry and draft free, as Lapeerian points out, are the key. I don't know much about silkies though, their different feathers might make them more susceptible to the cold (or to a draft). There are some silkie folks on here that will probably chime in on this for you though.

 

[queenchick16]

Hello All, I've had birds for years and they have never had their coops heated. I only have one little silkie and since she doesn't roost with the other girls I brought her into the basement when I locked them up tonight. If my husband finds out he will kill me . We have to do what we have to do for our girls. I was thinking that I should bring my little frizzle in also but she does cuddle with the others.

Lalany, just make sure they can get to their water. I usually have to go and clear paths for them 'cause they freak out with the snow and don't come out of their coops.

 

[queenchick16]

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What, pray tell, is this south american bird? I am intrigued. 

I am not sure if I will be alone, with kid, or with kid and hubby yet. I threw it out there yesterday. I think I almost want to go alone so I can just do/go where ever I want. I was thinking of driving out early saturday for the show, then staying in Wethersfield Saturday night (where the seed store is) and pittering around the old downtown on Sunday and returning to NJ Sunday afternoon. It would be great to meet up with you there at the show and in Wethersfield. We might finally get to have that cup of coffee... lol. There are antique shops and historic buildings and such there. The seed store is not open on Saturday, so an overnight is necessary. 
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The Colloncas is the bird I want,blue egg layer, rumpless. A guy in concord Mass has them that is on here. Unfortunately he says he isn't going to sell any this coming year. My new quest. Search south American on here and he comes up. He has a great site with beautiful photos and descriptions.

 

[JerseyHen]

Pretty neat looking birds. Looks like he had several unusual south american breeds, but is taking the year off. I am going to focus on a flock of cream legbars. I just love them. They are so pretty, hens and roosters alike. I can't wait to see the eggs they lay.

 

[lalany]

Thanks for that advice Lapeerian, I did give the gals some warm oats before closing the coop and I did drape the ugly tarp around loosely. It feels good to know I'm on the right track. Thanks again!

 

[lalany]

Thanks Queenchick 16, the water does have me worried so l'll make sure to keep checking that it's not frozen. They love going in and out of my garage(they know that's where the feed is) so I'll make sure we have a path and more water there in the am!

 

[queenchick16]

Pretty neat looking birds. Looks like he had several unusual south american breeds, but is taking the year off. I am going to focus on a flock of cream legbars. I just love them. They are so pretty, hens and roosters alike. I can't wait to see the eggs they lay. 

I sent him a pm last night hopefully he gets back to me. He does have some interesting birds. I put in an order last year but he got back to me several weeks later. Sorry to say I never got Eggs

 

[queenchick16]

Woke up at 4, I'm worried about the girls. I'm going to wait til about 7 to bundle up and start making my way to the coop. I think I'm going to leave the side door to the garage open also. They love going in there.i just hope the silkie doesn't start making noise til Richard has left.hopefully he does leave. He closed the practice early yesterday. If he doesn't have any surgeries he won't go in ; lucky me.....

Stay warm and safe everyone...

 

[queenchick16]

So much for light and fluffy.....very cold out there...the girls have a cleared run ,water and food.they come out for a few minutes and then back in.
I'm going to wait for guys to pass that want to clear my driveway.i was told I should never shovel again after back surgery. My husbands back needs a second surgery so he can't do it.
chickens are done and the dog has a place to pee so that's as good as its getting for a while.
Don't over do it everyone. If you have one, wear a ski mask over your face to prevent frostbite.

 

[Glasshen]

Minus 9here, but only 8inches of snow! I hear you have much more. My girls are happy, they were milling around in the coop which they had heated up to a balmy one degree. They refuse to come out when there is snow, so I'll keep the door shut to let them keep their warmth in a bit. They still have vents up in the gable ends of the coop.

Happy New Year.