Wind chill doesn’t count, right?

[peckerhead palace]

Is there a reason you wet then dry the pellets to break them down before using them? I've always just used them as they are.

If you break them down per instructions you can clean it like a litter box and it lasts a LONG time.

 

[peckerhead palace]

I usually put a bale or 2 of straw poofed up over the pelleted bedding if its going to be really really cold. They often snuggle into it.

 

[ChickenTendy]

Hey! So for sure they are going to need a heat source, but not a heat lamp due to fire risks so I would order something specific off of amazon for them. All you have to do is type "Chickecn coop heater" and some good well priced options should pop up, and I believe some that you'll be able to control with your phone or a remote control so u can keep up to date. Lastly, the coop needs to be a very dry place with plenty of bedding and places (Like a nesting box) to hide from cold wind drafts. You seems to already be doing a great job in taking caution, chickens can produce AMAZING amounts of heat on their own in a flock, so if you have at least 3-4 then they will huddle together and be a cuddle party!

 

[kattabelly]

If you break them down per instructions you can clean it like a litter box and it lasts a LONG time.

I use the stuff that's sold as cat litter, for indoor chicks and sometimes as a base layer for nest boxes in wet weather, and none of the brands I've ever bought came with instructions to wet it all down to dust and then dry it back out before use.

I don't fine it necessary for chicks but when I have used pellets in a small coop under the roosts, it was easy enough to just pick the droppings out in the morning along with a small amount of sawdust where the pellets had been in direct contact with the poo and absorbed enough moisture to start breaking down.

 

[Granitestater]

For Cripes sake, go buy STRAW right away! It is the best insulator due to its hollow stem. They don't eat it, they nest/snuggle in it. It doesn't grow mold like hay does once its wet. Get several bales and spread it around in big hills for them to burrow into and keep warm. If u have nesting boxes in your coop as I do, put straw in them my birds go in there in frigid temps and snuggle in.

U know, due to the pecking order, not all chickens get together and keep warm. There's usually an odd man out that suffers from cold. With the straw, they have a way to warm themselves.
Also, get a couple radiant heaters, mount above their perches. They r safe from fires but give the birds sitting under them some warmth.

 

[Granitestater]

I believe when in extreme cold the Poultry Doctor, Dr. Blayne Moziek reccomends closing the vents temporarily to reatain as much heat as you can. I personally would monitor temps and humidity in the intereim. Currently is -30 to 10 in Central Vermont. I do have a heated coop. So the birds are sucking it up and staying in. I have not opened my vents since November, but humidity levels consistantly stay below 40%, and ammonia isnt an issue as I clean poops daily.

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Yes I clean poops daily too. So easy with a metal saled tong every morning with a bucket. I put newspapers under their perches every bedtime for ease cleanup in morning. Never ammonia or stinky smell.
I have radiant heaters over their perches. The rooster especially likes them! Lol.

 

[Granitestater]

Oh also….i have 4 Cochins which are not cold hardy. I found out after I got them. But the worst part. One of them is a frizzle. With feathers like his, he can’t trap in his body heat. So far he’s been fine but i do wonder if he’s extra stressed by our cold. I thought maybe I’d bring him inside??? But he’s a rooster so not sure my fam would appreciate that

How about you get him a nice warm apron/sweater whatever they call them, to help him hold in heat? Also fill that place with straw, A fabulous insulator. (Of course, no straw near a heater.

 

[Granitestater]

The problem with hay, is it's likely to harbour more parasites than straw.
A lot depends on how it has been stored for both hay and straw and for straw, which cut one gets and how much dust there is in the straw.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/straw-itch-mite.75561/

I feel its crucial to get them thru this arctic cold first; help with parasites when warmer. If u were freezing to death u wouldn't give a _____ about a mite on you. Lol.❤❄

 

[Granitestater]

I'd advise against the use of hay, especially if the chickens are not used to having it in their area. Straw is a better choice as it has shorter and less stingy pieces so is less likely to cause crop impaction.

Mine don't eat the straw but they love to nest/burrow into it! Reportedly it is a superior insulator due to the diameter of its shaft/retains air. I put bales of it around the inner perimeter of the coop and hills of it where they hang out and in their nesting boxes. They seemingly like it lots!

 

[Demarvell]

Here in S. E. Idaho, my coop is insulated but well ventilates. We've had some 13 degree nights, but no problems. I use shavings because they are easier to clean up. No heater, just chicken heat!