What to do when the Temps Drop?????

[TapstoneChickens]

Hello Chickens!!!!

New at keeping em and don't have a clue about wintering them over. The temps are dropping fast here in the northeast, and I am worried about what to do to keep them safe, dry and freezer free. I have heard so much about gangrene of Waddles and Combs, that I am really worried.

I have a "HenSpa" yeah, its fancy, on wheels and available online. No its not a place but where they live. It has an upper and lower floor, and an outside area too. It can be moved about, I guess that was the big selling point. Great for the spring and Summer and Fall....but what about the winter. The folks that make it are down south, so it does not get as cold down there as it does uphere. Need some advice from those who have kept backyard birds for awhile.

So far I have added a tarp to cover the bottom of the top floor, this is where they roost. I have added the shavings, "Pine" and today a light in the nesting box area. Does it bother them to have the light on all the time???? Is it going to be warm enough for them? The temp tonight is so far 18 degrees.. supposed to go down to 12. Coldest night / day for the next 7 so have time to make adjustments if necessary. I have a water bucket for them that is heated, and they are all layers, no Rooster. So they only go into the nesting boxes when they lay.

Thanks for the information and the time and attention....
I can hear the girls clucking now from the excitement of your responses!
Have a Great Day,
JT,Tapstone Chickens

 

[johnnyjack]

they will be fine dont worry.

 

[Wildsky]

Yeah they will be just fine.
Our temp in the coop went down to 7 last night - all the chickens were up in the morning just fine.

I have 12 chickens, and they keep each other warm to a certain degree. I don't use light or any outside heat source.

 

[picklespickles]

tap, it will all be good. everyone worries at first. my only thought was, after looking up the henspas, maybe for four thousand dollars they should mail a guy to answer all your questions for the first week.

 

[silkiechicken]

Yeah, my chicken coops have been fozen solid now for the 3rd day and mine slept outside in the 25 deg nights. In such a fancy home, they will be fine. They also don't really need that light, but it will encourage more laying.