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

[Blooie]

Lots of us add leaves to our litter. Some folks use them as the main component of their deep litter. I didn't because I got my chickens in late winter (February) so there weren't any leaves in my yard - just snow. But I've been adding them now and the girls love scratching around in them! They break down and blend into the litter fairly quickly. This year we are stacking and storing the leaves instead of the usual burning them off so I can add them from time to time all winter.

 

[K Epp]

Its funny to watch them with the leaves. First they are afraid like they will get burned. Then they dive in like little kids in a ball pit.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

I added leaves to the run this year....everybody did well testing it out except the bantam hen...She disappeared in them except her head...wading through like a mole underground almost. Makes me worried a little bit for her. Impeding her to get away from the high hen or the roo. But I think she'll figure it out...LOL.

After seeing that I did sprinkle a straw bale about just help her get a foot hold above the leaves...

 

[traceyj]

I'm new to chickens but as a long time gardener I'd strongly suggest you watch for mould in the leaves, aspergillosis is found in mouldy leaves and can be very dangerous esp if you have respiratory issues. Then again, I wear a dust mask when mucking out anyway.

 

[aart]

Is there anything negative about using leaves in the bottom of the coops instead of shavings or straw? I believe it was someone on this thread who said they used leaves. I even put leaves in the cages. We will see. Hopefully they will work out.

I'm new to chickens but as a long time gardener I'd strongly suggest you watch for mould in the leaves, aspergillosis is found in mouldy leaves and can be very dangerous esp if you have respiratory issues. Then again, I wear a dust mask when mucking out anyway.

I was going to say leaves in the coop should be fine as long as they are, and stay, nice and dry.

Not sure dead leaves are of any nutritional benefit and they are really absorptive, but might be fun for them to scratch around in.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Good to know about the mold issue. I'm watching out for moldy things with my birds any ways. The run is covered and wrapped on prevailing wind sides. Lots of venting also. I think the leaves will stay pretty dry. But as I think of my bantam and footing in there I may just get a couple more bales of straw to add to the mix. I do like the loft of the leaves to keep their feet off the frozen mud though.

 

[K Epp]

Yeah working in the leaves always gets my allergies going. The birds seem to be fine though.

 

[K Epp]

Its supposed to get down in the 20's this week an possibly the teens this weekend. I have a hen who hasn't finished her molt. I can see skin on her back. Do I need to do any thing for her? I could move her into the garage. I have a heat lamp going in there for some young chicks. I'm hoping it will keep the room temp above freezing. I have it zip tied to a shelf so it won't move.

 

[centrarchid]

Its supposed to get down in the 20's this week an possibly the teens this weekend. I have a hen who hasn't finished her molt. I can see skin on her back. Do I need to do any thing for her? I could move her into the garage. I have a heat lamp going in there for some young chicks. I'm hoping it will keep the room temp above freezing. I have it zip tied to a shelf so it won't move.

Provide a little additional protection from wind. If roosting tight with other birds she should be just fine. To make me feel better I make so such birds can get some additional whole grains which can include scratch to top off crop just before going to roost. That provides an additional energy kick for the night.

 

[K Epp]

The barn she and the rest of the clock roost in is pretty wind proof. I left the tope 4 inches of the door uncovered to help with the ventilation.