will bantees be able to survive during the winter

[chick mansion]

I have a very small bantee and I was just wondering if she will be okay I it snows or gets really cold during the winter time. She is even smaller than and average sized bantee and I am a little worried it will be to cold for her. any ideas on how to keep her warmer?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Where are you located and what is considered cold by you?

Another factor is your coop and how well it's constructed.

We get down into the -20's, and occasionally -30's and my bantam do fine. They keep themselves warm. Your job is to provide fresh unfrozen water at least 2x a day. Feed them good feed, maybe some scratch to keep them moving. A good wind break, a draft free coop with good ventilation, a patch of sunlight is always welcome, and something to stand on that keeps them off the ground and snow. I use hay, which also works as winter forage.

 

[BantyChooks]

Where are you located and what is considered cold by you?

Another factor is your coop and how well it's constructed.

We get down into the -20's, and occasionally -30's and my bantam do fine. They keep themselves warm. Your job is to provide fresh unfrozen water at least 2x a day. Feed them good feed, maybe some scratch to keep them moving. A good wind break, a draft free coop with good ventilation, a patch of sunlight is always welcome, and something to stand on that keeps them off the ground and snow. I use hay, which also works as winter forage.

 

[Sara Ranch]

I have two small bantams that sleep in a small dog kennel in the house and go outside during the day. They do get cold and shiver and ask to come in the house. One is particularly skilled with sneaking in the house. (I will warm his feet up and put him back outside.)

Their daddy bantam sleeps in the barn and stays outside all day.

So far here, the low temp has been 15 or 17 degrees.

With those temps, especially if there is wind, many of my birds shiver. They all have a place to go out of the wind.

Your little one should be ok if she has others to cuddle/huddle with. She probably won't be laying any eggs though.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have two small bantams that sleep in a small dog kennel in the house and go outside during the day. They do get cold and shiver and ask to come in the house. One is particularly skilled with sneaking in the house. (I will warm his feet up and put him back outside.)

Their daddy bantam sleeps in the barn and stays outside all day.

So far here, the low temp has been 15 or 17 degrees.

With those temps, especially if there is wind, many of my birds shiver. They all have a place to go out of the wind.

Your little one should be ok if she has others to cuddle/huddle with. She probably won't be laying any eggs though.

Your birds are acclimated to your house temperatures so they will definitely be cold going out. A bird left outside will acclimate and their coat will thicken so they barely feel the cold most days.

Going in and out can cause stress on your birds. It would be the same if you didn't put on your coat each time you went out. Acclimated chickens have a good coat on and would be very uncomfortable in a heated environment, so it's best to choose one.

Mine continue to lay through the winter at a decreased rate.

 

[chick mansion]

Where are you located and what is considered cold by you?

Another factor is your coop and how well it's constructed.

We get down into the -20's, and occasionally -30's and my bantam do fine. They keep themselves warm. Your job is to provide fresh unfrozen water at least 2x a day. Feed them good feed, maybe some scratch to keep them moving. A good wind break, a draft free coop with good ventilation, a patch of sunlight is always welcome, and something to stand on that keeps them off the ground and snow. I use hay, which also works as winter forage.

we live in Southern Delaware,hardly gets below freezing,have a good coop,good feed,etc.. but she is a loner,doesn't sleep with the others(that I know of) . and does seem to be cold at times..run is covered with a roof and sides are covered for the winter. this is our first winter and I am a worry wart! thank you for your help...Margaret and granddaughter,Tori..

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

we live in Southern Delaware,hardly gets below freezing,have a good coop,good feed,etc.. but she is a loner,doesn't sleep with the others(that I know of) . and does seem to be cold at times..run is covered with a roof and sides are covered for the winter. this is our first winter and I am a worry wart! thank you for your help...Margaret and granddaughter,Tori..

I would keep an eye on her, but she should be fine. Is she your only bantam? What breed?

 

[Sara Ranch]

@oldhenlikesdogs - Good points.

Sadly, I don't have heat on demand. And I don't have a/c.

I hope to have that rectified heat situation soon. (Long story. House is not much warmer than outside. And often it's warmer outside then inside. It's to the point that I go out in below freezing weather without a coat and don't even notice.)

The little guys are much younger and much smaller than the roosters they were bunking with in the barn. There were some issues with the big boys pushing the little boys out and/or laying on them.

Getting ready to move the guys out to the barn in the next few months. Hope the little guys can rejoin the big boys for sleeping in the new place. (And that I will have heat and hot water on demand for the house!)

 

[chick mansion]

I would keep an eye on her, but she should be fine. Is she your only bantam? What breed?

I don't know her breed,have 2 other bantams.and 8 other chickens.she is small,so I will bring her in the house for the winter if necessary.thanks.mvl