The deep freeze took its toll

[OrpingtonManiac]

Im sorry for your loss

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

That is really sad. I didnt realise being at the bottom of the pecking order meant a hen couldn't huddle for warmth! So will the next lowest hen be at risk?

She might have had other issues. I have her frozen and will do a gross necropsy when it’s a bit warmer (for my hands). Nobody else is ill so reproductive is my first thought.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

Wow! That's some serious coldness with a heater.

Poor Ebony! I am sorry for her and you.

Two frigid winters ago, I lost my Blue Cochin Bantam girl, Maxie, not because they pushed her away from the huddle but because they piled on top of my little one and smothered her in a nest box.

Also, sorry for poor Moon. I find it nearly impossible to get through a Midwest winter without some incidents of frostbite. One of my hens will likely have no comb left because the silly girl has been sticking her entire head into a waterer; her comb is all gray and ugly.

Hope the rest of your flock gets through winter in good shape.

Oh boy. She’s her own worst enemy. Hope she turns out ok.

 

[Sondraa]

Thank you. He’s in good spirits. He’ll lose the entire comb tho. I should change his name to cue ball.

Haha..

 

[Loving my girls]

That is really sad. I didnt realise being at the bottom of the pecking order meant a hen couldn't huddle for warmth! So will the next lowest hen be at risk?

I found that the second from bottom (Rose) is fine but frequently Aster isn’t included in the huddle.

 

[Sondraa]

What rung is Astor on the ladder? So interesting, isn't it?

 

[Loving my girls]

What rung is Astor on the ladder? So interesting, isn't it?

I have one very long perch, when it’s cold they huddle at one end but Astor is only aloud to join them if her sister, Rose, is at the end.
So sad, Astor is such a sweet little thing - she chirps rather than clucks despite being an adult. I love her to bits, she’s a Legbar

 

[Sondraa]

If Astor is more separate from the group, how do you know Rose is lower in pecking order? What are the indications? I have ducks but am considering adding chickens thus all the questions. Aster does sound super sweet with her chirping. I hope she doesn't become a victim of the cold.

 

[WindyCityCoop]

It sounds like your coop may need some (or better) insulation. During the last arctic deep freeze a few weeks ago, where it was negative 20 outside for a whole week, our coop was kept at 40 all day and night, even with the small chicken door open for ventilation. Our setup is a 10x16 shed with 2x4 walls stuffed with fiberglass and plywood sheathing outside and inside. A 1500 watt milkhouse heater on low setting kept it at those temps. I have to turn it off if temps get above 36-40 outside, otherwise my hens will be panting
During hot summers, even during heat spells like 100 degree days, the insulation and concrete floor keeps the coop at about 80.
If you can't add fiberglass in the walls, you can line the walls & floor with 1/2" foam sheets, but you have to cover the foam with plywood or paneling because chickens love to eat foam board (ask me how I know)

 

[Hen-chick80]

Oh no! Or baby. and poor you. I know how much you loved her.