[Craigx]

Hey...


As most people see we've had some snow... Any tips to help chickens through the harshness??

craig

[lazydog]

keep an eye on their water,they are pretty tuff but still need to drink

[arugula]

They'll be fine, once they get used to it.

[Ben_H]

And on the subject of chooks and snow 

My cockerel didn't start crowing till gone 8 this morning, he'snormally at it by 6am at the moment.. Nearly 10 and no-one haas come out of the coop yet.

I've moved food and water next to the pop hatch and put down trellis and lengthes of 3x3" for them to walk on to get around the run but they're hiding. Going to have to go out shortly to poo pick in the coop so will see how reluctant they are then

[Ice]

My girls were reluctant to come out this morning and just stayed in the coop for an hour or two.  Hunger makes them braver though and they're all out and happy now.    

[joyfull]

Keep the chickens feed dry by putting it under cover if possible, mine are place under old lorry wheel arches and an Ifor Williams land rover hard top. Keep checking their water to make sure it isn't frozen.
I also make a porridge up of layers mash mixed with hot water for them first thing in the mornings  

[Craigx]

Thank you,


Is there any foods, or anything that would help keep them warmer during the night? as there more active  during the day..


Craig

[Ice]

Don't worry about your hens at night.  As long as they aren't in a draft they stay incredibly warm in their own built in duvet.  Some people do feed warm food, but I don't think it's entirely necessary.

[Tony H]

Chucks are normaly ok at night, the only thing i do is give them a handfull of corn just before bed they suffer more from overheating than the cold. as long as they have a dry place to roost they'l be fine 

[8doubles]

On the plus side the chooks feet are nice and clean................for a while ! 

[Tony H]

im glad you said for a while  iv got little foot prints all over the garden now 

[LittleRedHen]

ANYWAYS, back to the question.  I add extra bedding in the hen house - creates less space for the hens to have to heat up.  I also wrap the hen house in an old duvee.  Works a treat.

[Suzybat]

Mine were a bit reluctant this morning but as soon as path was cleared for them and they had some warm layers mixed to a mash, they picked up.

Have ordered a water heater as I am lucky enough to have a electric supply to my coop, will save that early morning defrosting!

[ANHBUC]

My hens had a lovely time eating the snow as it started to fall on Saturday.  Different story yesterday morning when they woke up to 1 1/2 inches of the white stuff.  Luckily I have a covered run attached to the coop with their water and food in.  They did venture into the larger enclosure as the day went on and the sun melted the snow a little.  This morning the snow is still there but it is a bit milder so they are scratting about in the snow free areas.

I use a table food warmer (type that has candles in), with half a paving slab on top to spread the heat out and then the drinker on top to stop it freezing during the day.  Managed to get 8 hour candles and it is working a treat.  It is a 2 candle model but only needs 1 in to keep it defrosted.  The food warmers are quite expensive when new but I asked my parents to look out for one for me and I think they picked it up at a car boot.  Works a treat for anyone who hasn't got electric to their hen house.   

[joyfull]

I still have quite a few that roost overnight in the trees - snowing or not which just goes to prove they don't need any extra warmth at night