What is this thread all about?
Just a place for general discussion. A place to unload whats on your mind and talk about anything - personal, health, help needed, achievements, daily highs and daily lows, theories, predictions and what have you.
Does not need to be Q related.
It is supposed to be colder than a Titches Wit here in Texas, and I am a new backyard chicken owner. I put them in their tiny coop, but I'm still nervous. I went and bought some cloth/waterproof shower curtains at a local thrift store to put on the end of the coup that is just made of chicken wire to help block the winds. I'm told they will be fine, but I just need some peace of mind. I got them in the summer and they managed well despite the Texas heat, but this will be their first hard freeze. I am hoping they have enough sense to stay in the enclosed part of the coup and snuggle up together.
Heat lamps are helpful at this time.
Straw is warm for bedding if you can get some. I've got the opposite trying to keep them cool in the heat we have at the moment.
You are a good chicken rancher. 😉
I'm in New England and it's been down in the high teens a couple times. I've had chickens for 12 years and never had a problem with the cold. I have a wooden coop with just one opening for them to get to their outside pen so it's not drafty. They will snuggle together and squat down on their perch to keep their feet warm.
Only problem up here is when their water freezes. I have a dedicated power line and a heated water trough that turns on when it drops below 40°F. They don't eat or drink at night so it's okay to bring those in at night if you wish.
They should fine as long as theres a place away from the wind, even cardboard and the shower curtains will do. It gets terrible cold up here but I dont worry until its a lot of 0 and below days and nights in a row. I have large dog kennels in my basement, but I only have 17 hens so it isn't crazy. Or maybe it is, cluck em if they judge me.
Chickens don't judge...they are very loving!