Texas

[AllenK RGV]

Joel,

I think they will do fine but a cracked corn feeding can give them the heat calories they might personally want please do not run the risk of a fire with the heat lamp idea. I get mine through the scratch I offer when it gets cold and that is the first grain they take out of the mix. Not like a first time keeper from SPI, TX can tell you much about winter, but I feel better for the birds having offered.

 

[TexasLisa]

Hi all. We live just outside Austin, and we're have a string of cold days coming and wanted to check in for advice to make sure our five gals stay okay during the cold.

The low tonight will be hovering around 39 degrees, nothing terrible. But over the course of the next few days, the temps will stay colder than normal:
* Sunday: hi 41 / low 22
* Monday: hi 32 / low 21
* Tuesday: hi 34 / low 22
* Wednesday: hi 49 / low 27
* Thursday: hi 46 / low 28
* Friday: hi 49 / low 34
* Saturday and Beyond: back to normal

Our coop is pretty small, similar to the one pictured here. We don't have the ventilation window at the top, but the rest is very similar. There's no insulation, heat lamp, or anything like that. Just a basic coop and small run. (The girls free range during the day... not sure if they'll want to get out in this cold, though.)

What advice do you have to help keep our flock safe? We're new to chickens in general (since last May), and we're not quite sure what to do to protect them from the temps. Definitely willing to get a heat lamp or other items to keep them safe.

Thanks in advance for your help!

-Joel

Hi Joel! Be ready to take warm water into the coop on the 'cold' days. Water left overnight might be frozen. Also add some extra shavings in the coop. I have also fed them warm oatmeal--they love it!

 

[TexasLisa]

Greeting from Oatmeal, Texas! Located solidly on the rockiest soil-less hill in the area, Northwest of Austin by about 35 minutes. Every single day I fight to keep my turkey hen (Hensley) out of my onions and potatoes. I am an old chicken lady at the ripe age of 33. Maybe I'm biased, but my birds are pretty cool.

Welcome from Rosenberg! Come on back and visit with us again. We love pictures.

 

[Hamiam]

Hi all. We live just outside Austin, and we're have a string of cold days coming and wanted to check in for advice to make sure our five gals stay okay during the cold.

The low tonight will be hovering around 39 degrees, nothing terrible. But over the course of the next few days, the temps will stay colder than normal:
* Sunday: hi 41 / low 22
* Monday: hi 32 / low 21
* Tuesday: hi 34 / low 22
* Wednesday: hi 49 / low 27
* Thursday: hi 46 / low 28
* Friday: hi 49 / low 34
* Saturday and Beyond: back to normal

Our coop is pretty small, similar to the one pictured here. We don't have the ventilation window at the top, but the rest is very similar. There's no insulation, heat lamp, or anything like that. Just a basic coop and small run. (The girls free range during the day... not sure if they'll want to get out in this cold, though.)

What advice do you have to help keep our flock safe? We're new to chickens in general (since last May), and we're not quite sure what to do to protect them from the temps. Definitely willing to get a heat lamp or other items to keep them safe.

Thanks in advance for your help!

-Joel

Hey Joel. It's been in the 20's since last night in North Texas. When I look at your coop, I'm wondering if the chickens are closed up inside the wooden house area at night? If so, I would worry about there being enough ventilation, without the ventilation window. If moisture builds up inside from poop & respiration, there will be a risk of frostbite. Air circulation above the chickens roost is good, drafts at the roost or below is bad. Fully feathered chickens can handle much lower temps. No need for heat lamp or insulation. Ventilation is key! The most important thing, is keeping the water thawed. The BYC members up north have posted about different methods they use. (You can use the search forms button at the top of page to find). We have 2 waterers & I bring one inside to thaw & take the thawed one outside. Rotate several times a day. I read once (I've never tried) about putting heavily salted water in a water bottle or other sealed container, then put inside the chicken water/ waterer. It's suppose to keep the water from freezing. If you try it, let me know if it works. The only other thing I would suggest is a wind block for when they are in the run. I just laid a long folding table on its side on the north side of the coop. My girls have been hanging out behind it. Oh yea, you'll want to collect the eggs before they freeze! But if you don't get them before they freeze, you can cook them & feed them warm to the chickens.

 

[Eryniel]

Howdy, fellow Texans! I am a new chicken mama from close to Waco, and am so glad to hear of so many Texan people here! As I am new (both on BYC and to chickens) all advice is appreciated.
I currently have 2 RID's and 2 Black Sex Link pullets (7-8 weeks old), and am planning on increasing my flock in the spring.

 

[Hamiam]

Howdy, fellow Texans! I am a new chicken mama from close to Waco, and am so glad to hear of so many Texan people here! As I am new (both on BYC and to chickens) all advice is appreciated.
I currently have 2 RID's and 2 Black Sex Link pullets (7-8 weeks old), and am planning on increasing my flock in the spring.

Hi! Welcome. This site is filled with great information & very nice members. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Post pictures, we love pictures!

 

[TexasLisa]

Howdy, fellow Texans! I am a new chicken mama from close to Waco, and am so glad to hear of so many Texan people here! As I am new (both on BYC and to chickens) all advice is appreciated.
I currently have 2 RID's and 2 Black Sex Link pullets (7-8 weeks old), and am planning on increasing my flock in the spring.

Welcome from Rosenberg!! Come back and visit some more!

 

[CacklingRanch]

Welcome from Trinity!

Feel free to ask us anything here.

 

[whatnowchicken]

Hey, you seem to be in communication with a lot of chicken ppl. So I thought maybe you could help. There's a lost chicken in my yard. I tried calling the aspca and animal control but no one wants to help it. I live in spring Texas just north of Houston. If you've got any idea what to do (I can't keep it or let it in the backyard my pets would probably eat it) please let me know. It looks cold but I have no idea.

 

[Hamiam]

Hi! Welcome. This site is filled with great information & very nice members. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Post pictures, we love pictures!

I saw you posted on the emergency thread too. Your getting good advice there. Unfortunately, I'm nowhere near Spring Tx. & unable to help.