Yet another "is it too cold" post...opinions please??

[newdock]

I say, assemble the old coop again, put some nails along the outside of it, hang some garden tools on it and voila...no longer exclusively for livestock! LOL

Silly ordinances. Silly neighbor.

I live in Canada and it gets as cold as -40. I use a heat lamp (24 hrs) in the winter when it is colder than -10 plus a white bulb for light (14 hours a day - on a timer).

Good luck!

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
My family is in Cumberland Heights-are you in the city?

 

[LilBizzy]

Mine are in an uninsulated coop. The bantams will step out of their coop to eat, then run back in. The big ones will stay out all day. Right now there is snow, and they don't like it, but are getting used to it. They won't run out to greet me because they hate stepping in that white stuff.
Last night I had 3 chickens not come home. They were stuck in the neighbors yard, and were fine this morning, and they slept outside somewhere. So, yes, the chickens are hardier than we give them credit for. I think we just worry, like good parents do.
As long as you keep the wind from whipping at them, you needn't worry. As the other's said, though- do what you feel comfortable with. You don't want to turn yourself gray with worry

 

[1stepcloser]

Quote:
My family is in Cumberland Heights-are you in the city?

Yes, I live in the Kenwood area. Although if finances would allow I would move outside the city in a blink of the eye.

Maybe I will just buy a heat bulb JUST IN CASE.

Then if they are cold they can choose to go in. I mean, they aren't dumb. If they can figure out how to peck at the backdoor and demand treats they can figure out "Hey, I am too cold. I should go inside." Right?

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

Fire is always a problem with heat lamps. Make sure you secure it well.

If it helps, mine are in playhouse coops too. Plywood walls/no insulation/etc. They have all been fine through this. They won't go out in the snow, so everyone is crammed up in the coops, but the door is open and they are free to hang out in the run should they choose. I have also been giving them more scratch than normal. It gets them moving and helps warm them up.

So far everyone has been fine. I take out hot water in the morning and big bowls of hot oatmeal. At night I have been putting milk jugs of hot water in the coops at night. Everybody seems happy enough in the mornings so I guess it is helping.

I totally understand your nervousness. I am wishing this freaky cold would just move on!

 

[Chicken Chaperone]

Hey, Poultry in Motion,
What did you decide to do? I'm thinking we may be over the worst of it here in Texas and I'm hoping it'll be the same for y'all!
I'm ready to go outside, wave my arms and yell at the cold weather "Go, on! Git! Go on, go back north where ya belong! Yah!"
I'm sure the neighbors will think I'm daft but probably no worse than usual..

anyway, silliness aside- I hope y'all are doin' ok and stay safe and warm through all this!

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Quote:
hmmmmm.... I'm going to say that it totally depends on your unique situation. Are they in danger, probably not, as long as they have an area that blocks the wind/snow. Are they still going to be cold, yes probably so.

I can tell you what I would do in this situation, and we were 16 degrees this morning.

IF I had the room and facilities, I would probably move my birds to an inside location, like a garage, barn, or outdoor shed. If on the other hand I didn't have one of those, I would create some sort of shelter that would block the wind, and snow. I would also hang heat lamps wherever that shelter would be so they had the option of more heat if they needed/wanted it.

 

[momreda]

Hi 1stepcloser. I live on a farm right outside of Clarksville. I was worried for my chickens too until I saw the Cardinals, blue jays and one beautiful woodpecker playing in the snow and eating out of the bird feeder. I figured if those tiny little birds can handle it then my chickens can also.

 

[1stepcloser]

Aww thanks Momreda! Can I say I envy you? I would *love* to live on a farm.

 

[Dennis A]

We are looking at -14 tonight here in Iowa with a high of 0 tomorrow. The birds are out of the wind and roosting normally. I figure if the Amish can raise chickens without electricity mine will manage. The wild pheasants out back and the birds at the feeder seem to do OK. Only problem is frozen eggs.
Dennis