What is too cold for Orpingtons ?

[cmom]

I have no experience with freezing weather I enjoyed my time in Montana & Wyoming, love the rural setting in some areas but the thought of Winter
Reading = information/experience sharing, we use that info to figure which would work for us. The only way we learn is trying, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for all

 

[aart]

I would treat if needed

Only if gross infection occurs.
Otherwise best to stay hands off!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-sw-michigan.74597/

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Only if gross infection occurs.
Otherwise best to stay hands off!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-sw-michigan.74597/

Agreed, handling frost bitten tissue can cause further damage and pain. Nature will dub the tissues and there will be less there to cause problems the next year.

I generally only see frostbite here when temperatures get below -20 Fahrenheit. At those temperatures there's no stopping it either. In my experiences too much ventilation at those temperatures is actually worse.

 

[WindingRoad]

Only if gross infection occurs.
Otherwise best to stay hands off!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-sw-michigan.74597/

My thoughts exactly. Bag Balm has a sulfur derivative in it.

 

[WindingRoad]

My thoughts exactly. Bag Balm has a sulfur derivative in it.

Bag Balm with also keep the area softened so it might not crack etc.

 

[WunnySharbit]

My buffs, brahmas, and ee's have lived outside, sleeping in the apple tree, year-round, including during snow/rain/windstorms with temps as low as -10 windchill. (They have a heat lamp-from when they were babies-and dust bath set up in the sheltered area under the porch to warm up and dry out during the day) I Never bring them in the house unless it's a absolute emergency: they would overheat and then get cold when I took them back out. Also, the clean-up was horrendous and the air quality quickly deteriorated in the enclosed area. We were all a lot happier when they stayed out in the fresh, albeit cold, air!

Oh-I also upped their caloric intake to help offset their internal heating needs. A late feeding also helps keep them warmer. I often use a warm mash AM and PM to help warm them inside out (just hot water added to their regular feed with BOSS/wildlife mix and/or a few fatty table scraps, nothing fancy) Winco carries seeds in their bulk pet food section!

 

[LizzzyJo]

Mine have done fine into the -20's with -40 plus wind chills. That's Fahrenheit. I wouldn't worry.

It got down to -14 early this morning (-24 windchill). They are doing just fine They certainly don't want to come out to their water heater, so i've been bringing them coop water. I am giving them all sorts of snacks like tomatoes and bugs to try to keep them happy. They are loving all of the extra attention. Yesterday I brought them some watered down beef stew and they ate the whole bowl in 20 minutes! Geez, little dinosaurs!

 

[WindingRoad]

It got down to -14 early this morning (-24 windchill). They are doing just fine They certainly don't want to come out to their water heater, so i've been bringing them coop water. I am giving them all sorts of snacks like tomatoes and bugs to try to keep them happy. They are loving all of the extra attention. Yesterday I brought them some watered down beef stew and they ate the whole bowl in 20 minutes! Geez, little dinosaurs!

Ha I made beef stew overnight Saturday but I only have a 4 qt slow cooker. Just enough for me. Two-three servings but I might just see if they will eat some tonight before bed. Only beef, carrots, celery, and potatoes. I will have to pour off all the "juice" They are so fussy about their beaks.

 

[aart]

I will have to pour off all the "juice" They are so fussy about their beaks.

..and not good to let them dip their wattles in 'wet' food of a frigid evening.

 

[WindingRoad]

..and not good to let them dip their wattles in 'wet' food of a frigid evening.

I have a towel. Washable even.