Winter preparation---mixture of breeds, how to have a safe winter

[kmpage28]

We live in New Hampshire (think cold and lots of snow). This is our first winter with our birds. We have 3 Rhode Island Reds, 3 white leghorns, and 4 silkie bantams. My understanding is the RIR and leghorns are quite winter hardy (ability to fluff their feathers and stay warm) but an concerned about the bantams. I was going to stay away from a heat source as I have read it isn't always a good idea (problems if the heat source breaks, and making it so they would always need a heat source) but read an article that the bantams aren't able to fluff their feathers and stay warm and have a much harder time in the winter---so now worried about the fluffy monsters. We have been giving them suet treats as well as corn to help them get ready for winter but am concerned about the silkies. Our coop is fairly weather proofed with lots of hay and shavings. Any suggestions or advice are greatly appreciated.

 

[Hholly]

I'm wondering the same thing since I have silkies too. Hope a voice of experience comments.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've had silkies and presently have some frizzle cochins, they are fine, I'm in Wisconsin, bitterly cold winters, they just don't go outside as much, I don't heat any coops. Feathers in any form are warm and the chicken itself is a hot animal. Don't worry, and treat them like any other chickens.

 

[kmpage28]

Thanks for the info! Glad to hear your silkies did well through some Wisconsin cold winters!

 

[DanEP]

Your biggest problem could be frostbite on the leghorn combs. good ventilation in your coop is a must. Some people put vasoline on their combs in the winter,I've never tried it but have heard it helps.