Winter is Coming! Checklists, tips, advice for a newbie

[LadyCluck77]

I purchased one of those wireless temperature monitors. I think I paid about 10$ at WalMart. My husband placed the sender on a rafter in the coop, I've been keeping the monitor in my kitchen to read the temp inside the coop.
This morning it read 28 degrees F, and then dipped down to 22, which was I think when the door was opened.

Right before I left for work I quickly checked everyone's toes and combs for frostbite- which I assume would make the skin look black?
So far, no frostbite I can tell of.

 

[aart]

Only real winter prep I needed....I think, time will tell, first winter with chooks.
Water heater.

Full description of project on My Coop page.

 

[Chickies2]

Thanks, what's the measurement?

 

[Urbanmom519]

I made the water heater out of a light bulb-I used a energy 13 watt bulb hoping it keeps it from freezing, and landscaping blocks, with a tile bottom, with the same plastic waterer with the red bottom, I have four 9 week old EE pullets, they look at it like it it's from outer space, and now that it glows red at dusk they just stare at it, lol anyone else have this problem, do they figure it out eventually?

 

[aart]

Thanks, what's the measurement?

What's what measurement?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: The heat output is directly related to the electrical input
(1 Watt = about 3.4 BTU)
I suspect 13 Watts is not enough if your temps are very low

 

[Chickies2]

I was responding to the person who responded to me about Apple cider vinegar in the water. I'D like more details. I also read about red pepper being used but don't know why or for what?

 

[minmin1258]

Apple Cider Vinegar makes the chickens guts too acidic for worms or other harmful "critters" to grow inside. From what I've read I believe the red pepper seeds are supposedly to "Heat up" the insides of the chickens. It helps to keep the chickens warm.

 

[Urbanmom519]

The heat output is directly related to the electrical input
(1 Watt = about 3.4 BTU)
I suspect 13 Watts is not enough if your temps are very low 

Indiana, we get into the teens, and during the winter we get into single digits, I just used what i had on hand so thanks I'll have to buy a new bulb!

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Well, I built an ammo box heater yesterday, fairly simple . Left it out with water container last night. Outside temp about 30, so not too cold at all. The water was still freezing on top, there isa 60 watt bulb inside. Tghis has failed me too. Is it the water container?

Your water bucket appears too deep and has too much water (mass) and depth for your tin heater to be affective. The cookie tin heaters work perfectly with my red and white $5 fount as there is not much water in the drinking area to bring up in temperature. I notice problems at -15 or -30 F. And do have to break ice at that point in time. I would not use a bulb higher than 40 watt as that will make that metal ammo box pretty hot and you could possibly burn a chicken.

Apple cider vinegar will more than likely not stop worms but what it does is make for inhospitable gut for cocci colonies. Which is really tough on birds. Apple cider vinegar with the "mother" is what you are looking for. Which means it is inoculated with good bacteria. Healthy digestive tracts with "good bacteria colonies" compete and keep cocci colonies down. The good bacteria also helps provide trace minerals and vitamins and aids digestion of feed.

Red pepper or cayenne can be used as a natural remedy to make for inhospitable gut for worms or other parasites although I think there can be infestations that do not respond as they should to it in which non-natural remedies should be considered if you get an ill bird.

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