Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[bigzio]

Yep, I agree that it's going to be a long winter.
The pullets are laying really well. I collected 9 out of 10 yesterday.
Busted another bale of straw for the big coop. The birds get excited when they see me coming with the fresh bale.
Glad the cold blast coming should only be 2 days.
It will seem warm when we make above 20f again.

Stay safe ... bigz

 

[Debbie292d]

Our heated 2-gallon green bucket for the three ducks, 3/4 full, froze the top half.

Hubby thinks that their mud or crud on the bottom is what did it.

We dump and give fresh every other day, but I guess in sub-zero weather, we'll have to dump and change it daily.

 

[DoodlesDuckies]

Our heated 2-gallon green bucket for the three ducks, 3/4 full, froze the top half.

Hubby thinks that their mud or crud on the bottom is what did it.

We dump and give fresh every other day, but I guess in sub-zero weather, we'll have to dump and change it daily.

I had the same issue last year with the bucket type. I just use the dog bowl type- but this weekend around the rim- it did freeze a little but not like the bucket type. I just think the warm part of the bucket is more towards the bottom.

After this weekend I am just glad they had water to drink. Good grief.

Renee

 

[bigzio]

These next couple of days are going to feel like heaven compared to the last week.
Collecting eggs and checking water 3 time daily, and I still have collected a couple frozen eggs even with deep straw in the nests. I think this is going to be a long winter this year. Boy, would I like to be wrong about that!

Stay safe ... bigz

 

[EagleEyes]

bigzio,
Why don't you use a water heater?
It makes life much easier!

I use this right now but before this I used a cookie pan heater with a light bulb inside.
I have a 5 gallon galvanized waterer sitting on it. And I have another one when it gets low. I switch them out

 

[bigzio]

I actually have a new one like that still in the box from prolly 10 years ago. I need to run 150ft of extension cord to the coop and never bothered with doing it. Thinking of running electric up there with outlets, and then use the heater.
I have to check for eggs anyway, so no big deal to carry water.
I'm lovin this weather today.

Stay safe ... bigz

 

[jvls1942]

i am back. oh, were you gone ? yes, my computer was blocking me from byc. GS fixed it for me, i hope.
enjoying the winter without chickens and frozen water and frozen eggs.
just enjoying the deer, squirrels that the cat hasn't caught yet and same with the cotton tails.

 

[EagleEyes]

jvls, you saved me from asking
Looks like my chickens are now taking a winter break, big time. Oh well, Every egg me and cooper didn't eat I gave away anyways.
They seem to be healthy, happy, eating, drinking and pooping

 

[jvls1942]

EE's your chickens are doing what chickens do best
the winter break does them good. they have clusters of eggs in them and when it is used up they quit laying. so they will be around longer with the break. gives them time to recover from the stress of laying.
nice day today. 26F.
hope the packers show up today.

 

[bigzio]

They didn't show up Jim. Nothing new there though.
Another cold snap that needs to go away soon.
Today is the shortest day of the year. In a couple weeks the days will be gaining some daylight every day .... Yippee

Stay Safe ... bigz