Weight loss in extreme cold

[centrarchid]

During periods of extreme cold when food availability is not an issue, hypothermia is likely to set in before appreciable weight is lost. If something is wrong with the food, then they may not be as interested in consuming it.

I suggest switching diet over to a flock raiser with more protein. Have free-choice oyster shell on the side to meet calcium needs proportional egg production. The corn on BOSS they have to work for can be used as a measure of how much more they want to eat.

Birds being partial to corn and BOSS is typical, especially when it is cold. Your temperatures are cooler than mine ever get although my birds almost certainly must work harder to get their eats and mine are likely exposed to more windchill, especially at night.

 

[Grizz1]

Not to butt in, 17 chickens, but...
Treats (oatmeal, veggies, grains included) should not make up more than 10% of a diet, and if you do feed warm foods make sure they aren't steaming, as that causes frostbite.
This info was not directed to you 17 chickens, just the OP. I see you are in Alberta- hello nieghbor

Welshies you’ve given me a lot of valuable info! I didn’t think about the steam and subsequent frostbite. My husband likes to fil hot water in their water container because it’s only lukewarm by the time you get it to the girls.

During periods of extreme cold when food availability is not an issue, hypothermia is likely to set in before appreciable weight is lost. If something is wrong with the food, then they may not be as interested in consuming it.

I suggest switching diet over to a flock raiser with more protein. Have free-choice oyster shell on the side to meet calcium needs proportional egg production. The corn on BOSS they have to work for can be used as a measure of how much more they want to eat.

Birds being partial to corn and BOSS is typical, especially when it is cold. Your temperatures are cooler than mine ever get although my birds almost certainly must work harder to get their eats and mine are likely exposed to more windchill, especially at night.

thank you! I haven’t heard of flock raiser before but I’ll Look for more protein. And I’ll Restart oyster shell. We started giving them crushed egg shells last summer, but it’s just now and then.

 

[Welshies]

Welshies you’ve given me a lot of valuable info! I didn’t think about the steam and subsequent frostbite. My husband likes to fil hot water in their water container because it’s only lukewarm by the time you get it to the girls.

thank you! I haven’t heard of flock raiser before but I’ll Look for more protein. And I’ll Restart oyster shell. We started giving them crushed egg shells last summer, but it’s just now and then.

You are very welcome. I am glad I was able to help.