Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[irishrovr]

I don't know how comfortable I'd be with the plastic film on the top, Ang. Do you have a piece of plywood or even a thick piece of cardboard? I suppose it is a horse apiece since they all could burn, but I don't think the type of heater you have would get that hot. (There I go, overthinking it again.

me ). Other than that, it looks good. I think any extra warmth in the roosting area is a good idea for these brutal temps we are going to be having. Your birds look very healthy & happy. As for the buttcicles, my birds have been pooping alot of watery poo lately. Upon alot of observation, I think it is because they are drinking so much water lately. On the coldest days, my birds are really guzzling a ton of water, maybe partially because it is warm? Because of this, I have been giving them a lot of vitamins and electros in their water to prevent dehydration. HTH

My chickaroos are pooping a lot more than last winter and they are going through a lot of water also. I've been leaving some buckets of snow in there for them in case they run out of water altogether - they've come close a few times. They seen to like nibbling at it even when there's plenty of water.

I'm ready to watch some football from the warmth and comfort of the house! Go, Pack, Go!!

 

[Celtic Chick]

My chickaroos are pooping a lot more than last winter and they are going through a lot of water also. I've been leaving some buckets of snow in there for them in case they run out of water altogether - they've come close a few times. They seen to like nibbling at it even when there's plenty of water.

I'm ready to watch some football from the warmth and comfort of the house! Go, Pack, Go!!

Good point, Irish. Mine have been eating the snow in addition to guzzling lots of water. I am glad my birds aren't the only ones. Thanks for your input!

 

[jvls1942]

one last note and then I am going to bed.. I have to make at least 6 dozen dinner rolls tomorrow for supper time.. ( party at the restaurant ..)

If your chickens are eating snow,, how is your egg production ? snow really lowers the body core temperature, and maybe that is why they are eating more feed ?

50 Pounds lasts my laying flock for a little over 2,,maybe 3 days.. but I have about 60 chickens and 2 turkeys in that coop.. the guineas are really putting away the feed, too.. but they are easier on water than the chickens.. there are about 30 guineas in the other coop.. 5 gallons of water lasts 3 days easily.. then I dump what is left and give them a fresh jug ..

good night ........jiminwisc...........

 

[irishrovr]

one last note and then I am going to bed.. I have to make at least 6 dozen dinner rolls tomorrow for supper time.. ( party at the restaurant ..)

If your chickens are eating snow,, how is your egg production ? snow really lowers the body core temperature, and maybe that is why they are eating more feed ?

50 Pounds lasts my laying flock for a little over 2,,maybe 3 days.. but I have about 60 chickens and 2 turkeys in that coop.. the guineas are really putting away the feed, too.. but they are easier on water than the chickens.. there are about 30 guineas in the other coop.. 5 gallons of water lasts 3 days easily.. then I dump what is left and give them a fresh jug ..

good night ........jiminwisc...........

Egg production has been going up - I get 10 eggs a day now from 12 hens.

 

[Cindlady]

Hi All!

yep, that's the type of heater I was talking about. A few companies make them. Most have a built in on/off at 35*/45* option, but I like Jim's idea of cranking it up and on a thermo cube.

The party wasn't too bad. Because of the roads and all we got there a little late so didn't have to mingle too much before dinner. The couple we sat with were OK, can't say they were the type I/we would "hang" with, but OK for dinner, at least they talked to us. The guys had prime rib and we gals had crab legs. What a pile of legs! 3 LARGE clusters of snow crab. I mean theses were so big I had to look them over to see if they weren't small kings. I had one cluster there and brought 2 home. I just ate one a little while ago and have one left for tomorrow ...... YUM! Got home before 10. No long boring speeches this year either!

That's it for now.... Night All!

 

[Huntress78]

Well, I went with a heat lamp in each coop. Left enough wire to raise/lower as needed and if it's really bad tomorrow they will have to stay in...I won't even open the door to the 'sun room' on the bigger coop. I like the idea of a heater inside a wire cage and do have a broody pen sectioned off in one coop. I could just kick myself for not thinking of a heater when I was at Fleet the other day. I guess they are opening the bridge today so if I go back it will cut about 20 minutes off travel time...yay! Or maybe I'll have time to get to Menards before the game starts.
If I were to start over with chickens and coop building I would run a line from the boiler underneath and have a thermostat on it!!

Stay warm all!
Go Pack!!

 

[unkadan]

hmmm, maybe the ole interweb gots frozeup in WI?

I hate this kinda weather I am tired by the time I get all the layers on in the morning,,,

no added heaters here, tossed some straw a couple times this week, I feed in the morning, give a snack in the early aft and just before dark,,,snacks consist of some soaked alfalfa cubes, scratch with added BOSS, maybe some whole corn added to that last feeding activity,,,so far all is well,,,egg production has held up

I also have been using electrolyte/vitamin mix in the water for the last few weeks of this frigid crap,,,,,,,,,I do have a plastic pan of snow in each coop,,,,ever notice how they peck your boots even with the waterers full? I think it can't hurt anything, it adds to activity, and it's free!

ok,,,,now ,,,,, I agree with CC,,,,,"are you ready for some football"?,,,,after watching the Colts pull out that win yesterday I really hope the Pack have some of that "Luck" going today

bblheadingoutforfirstroundofchores

 

[jvls1942]

good morning,, taking a break .. I have four batches of bread roll dough rising in the oven..most of the baking mess cleaned up and a cuppa just about empty,,

egg production went up to 12 yesterday.. despite my heated coop..

I have to unload a couple of bags of feed today ,, the hoppers went empty yesterday.. I hate to dump feed when it is so cold.. actually I hate to do anything when it is so cold..

I heard Lacy was going to play sleeveless ?? that should take his mind off of the pain in his ankle ..
cold compresses courtesy of Mother Nature..

well, i had better get outside,, it is not getting any warmer..

.........jiminwisc...........

 

[bigzio]

Packer Playoff Sunday To All....yep, I'm ready for some football! Both good games yesterday and the chiefs sure blew it, didn't they.

The house smells really good. Suzie just pulled a fresh cherry pie from the oven.

Thanks for the information about the chicken suit TO..That's really cool....you don't have to worry about seeing someone with the same thing on, that's for sure...LOL!

Nice set-up Angiebubs...I love the Sunshine.

Suzie loves the crablegs Cind. I know they taste good, but I get hungrier working for the meat. I have to keep eating them just to keep up my strength. Then after the meal I need a cheeseburger...LOL!

Good thing this cold snap is gonna be limited to a couple days. I think we all have enjoyed enough Wis weather so far, for the whole winter.

Go Pack.... bigz

 

[Angiebubs]

Bigzio!!! Hiya! And thanks-Meghann painted the wall in the coop-said it would help them during the winter LOL Lets hope it does over the next few days.