Winter Feedings??

[pixie74943]

This is probably been covered a few thousand times, but I was wondering if there was anything I could/should add to my chickens feed over winter.

I live in Australia so its not exactly cold (seriously, I whine when its under 10C at night) but my babies are barely 12 weeks. Do they need some extras to fatten them up and keep them warm during winter?

-Pixie

 

[MoodyChicken]

Oh right, Australia is on the other side of the world. Right right, your winter is my summer. I increase protein during winter cause they're burning it up faster. I give my birds a heat lamp too, but it gets cold here and I have hard feathered breeds.

 

[pixie74943]

Yepp Winter time in Aus, although our definitions of winter are probably pretty different

I have an Australorp and a Leghorn, their supposed to be okay with the cold and the heat, but I'm paranoid they're gonna up and die on me.

Protein it is... I fed them a slug once, Never seen them so happy.

 

[MoodyChicken]

Yeah, I'm sure your hens will be fine then.

A little extra protein doesn't hurt as long as they can exercise it off.

 

[numamahen]

We live in Minnesota and had 4 bantees through the last winter. We just fed layer crumble and kept the water in a heated dog bowl - keeps temp at 50 degrees. We also insulated the roof and kept two heat lamps running. Now I see they just need to be out of the wind.

The biggest challenge for us was frostbite on the combs. I read later to rub petroleum jelly on the combs and that helps with circulation and avoids frost bite. I felt so bad when they turned black and then fell off. Early this spring they were growing back but we have adopted them to a petty farm now so I don't know if they grow back just the same.

 

[pixie74943]

I have read about heated bowls so many times and it just makes me laugh..

I'm from Australia, I am fascinated when i wake up and theres even the slightest touch of frost on my lawn.

Frozen water, not gonna happen