What's the temperature where you are???

[kattabelly]

Graupel is what we call it.

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/e...k-down-this-often-confused-precipitation-type

We get graupel quite often too but that was more like tiny hail that was already starting to melt (or rain that hadn't quite managed to freeze properly before falling), then very big and wet snowflakes at other times.

 

[Ponypoor]

They are confined to the run which is covered by 14mil clear plastic tarps. The only air coming in is through the top 7" gap that goes around the run for ventilation. I can stand in the coop and run and feel no air blowing in at all. Their coop has four 6x10 windows on opposite wall of their roost bars and the walk in door is open to the run along with their chicken door to allow more ventilation.

All of our chickens were sold to us as cold hardy but most have tall combs so maybe that's just why?

I have read about Vaseline and I do not see how that could possibly help. It seems to be mixed recommended/not recommended. I prefer to just leave them as they are.

Vaseline is dangerous in that it encloses the skin and keeps it moist thus freezing.

There have been copious studies done in northern climates (Canada, Sweden, Norway… etc) with their militaries on frost bite and hypothermia, the best way to prevent frostbite is the keep dry and out of the wind (says the person who keeps getting their fingers wet and froze… ouch); cover up and/or get into a place of warmth if you (or your chook) gets frostbite. Never rub anything on froze/damaged tissue, if your chooks comb gets frostbite leave it be, get the bird in a dry warm location. The tissue will heal if it’s not too damaged, or if it becomes necrotic it will eventually dry up and fall off - same with wattles.

Feet are extremely serious, of course feet cannot dry up and fall off. Personally I would euthanize any chook with frozen feet - trust me frost bit is extremely painful, and take a very long time to heal. My cheeks still ache now when they get cold, and my fingers throb with pain even with cold water.

I detest winter, you will never hear me complain about the heat!

 

[Ponypoor]

They are confined to the run which is covered by 14mil clear plastic tarps. The only air coming in is through the top 7" gap that goes around the run for ventilation. I can stand in the coop and run and feel no air blowing in at all. Their coop has four 6x10 windows on opposite wall of their roost bars and the walk in door is open to the run along with their chicken door to allow more ventilation.

All of our chickens were sold to us as cold hardy but most have tall combs so maybe that's just why?

I have read about Vaseline and I do not see how that could possibly help. It seems to be mixed recommended/not recommended. I prefer to just leave them as they are.

Having a good wind break is great, cold is the other part.

 

[Ponypoor]

We get graupel quite often too but that was more like tiny hail that was already starting to melt (or rain that hadn't quite managed to freeze properly before falling), then very big and wet snowflakes at other times.

You keep that evil weather! I have enough of my own didn’t see the yellow shiny thing at all today.

Morning temp dropped to -21C before climbing to -3C this afternoon.

I sure was annoyed when I finished chores, opened the barn door and it was snowing - again…..

This morning, Ol Blue told me it was:

Look at Monday! Woohoo - and it’s a holiday here! The chooks can go out on Mount Poopmore I think!
Special weather statement is for freezing drizzle and blowing snow:

 

[Ponypoor]

The storm fizzled We do love our summer evening storms.

Im not looking forward to winter given the cold you northeners have experienced. It will be interesting to see if our snow fields get a bumper season.

Gosh I hope not and looks like an El Niño year so you should be ok cold wise.

 

[Ponypoor]

Saturday 14th of February 7.45a.m. heavy cloud cover and some drizzle. 14.8 / 22.4kph SW ( calm here), Hg 52%, 18.5C / 65.3F. Possible showers. I'll be hosing.

Moon is 9%

Happy Valentines!

 

[Ponypoor]

No thanks!

You would hate summers here - hot, humid and hazy. Perfect for me!

 

[kattabelly]

You would hate summers here - hot, humid and hazy. Perfect for me!

You can keep them over there!

 

[Nym]

1.02p.m. These rain clouds are heading north to water Sydney concrete. Come back, storm clouds!

 

[Nym]

Happy Valentines!

Happy Valentines to you and all your furries. I hope youre making them all hot chocolate and marshmallows tonite!