Wind chill doesn’t count, right?

[kattabelly]

Ok. But I don’t have a lot of poop in my run since I have the roosting shelves. So I’m not sure it will break down. Mayne I’ll try a bag and see what happens. Thx!

Why is it important that it breaks down straight away? Surely you want it to last for ages so you aren't constantly having to add more.

And are you using these in a coop, like you said in your OP, or a run?

 

[Collieoftheborder]

Ok. But I don’t have a lot of poop in my run since I have the roosting shelves. So I’m not sure it will break down. Mayne I’ll try a bag and see what happens. Thx!

Why not just use the fine pine flakes? That is what the pellets are made of

 

[Lulu-vt]

Why not just use the fine pine flakes? That is what the pellets are made of

I’ve never heard of them! Where do I get them? I’ll look them up. Thanks!

 

[Collieoftheborder]

I’ve never heard of them! Where do I get them? I’ll look them up. Thanks!

Just at tractor supply or wherever. I always get the large flakes but medium and fine are always in stock as well. You should be able to buy them the same place you bought the pine pellets

 

[ABQ chicken keeper]

Just at tractor supply or wherever. I always get the large flakes but medium and fine are always in stock as well. You should be able to buy them the same place you bought the pine pellets

Do you mean pine shavings?

 

[Collieoftheborder]

Do you mean pine shavings?

 

[ABQ chicken keeper]

Personally I think pellets are easier to use. As we all know all chickens love to dig, even chicks, pellets satisfy their desire without shavings going everywhere.

 

[RoyalChick]

Ok. But I don’t have a lot of poop in my run since I have the roosting shelves. So I’m not sure it will break down. Mayne I’ll try a bag and see what happens. Thx!

Why do you use pellets if you don’t get poop on the floor?
I use pellets specifically to absorb moisture from poop - so I always make sure there are plenty of pellets under the roosts.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Correct. Wind chill doesn't count if your birds aren't being drafted on - and they shouldn't be if you've built your coop right. DO NOT block off ventilation to "capture heat" as you will be trapping moist, ammonia laden air as well. That moisture will freeze out anyplace it contacts a cold surface - recipe for frostbite, while ammonia is hard on a chicken's respiratory system (ours too).

What is your REAL temperature???

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Using heat draws strong opinions. Apart from the potential fire risk, the real problem is if you lose power - chickens not acclimated to the extreme cold, being subjected to rapid temp drop, are far more likely to experience negative outcomes than birds which have acclimated to cold w/o supplemental heat.

ASSUMING they are fully feathered and otherwise healthy, of course.

If they aren't fully feathered or are already challenged, then yes, palliative and supporting measures become far more important.