CHICKENS IN COLD WEATHER

Post by **Richard** » 16 Sep 2008, 18:31

With Autumn and Winter on our doorstep we know that quite a few will be asking about their Chickens in cold weather (as in Heating, Lighting etc).

I have just added a page on the main website, for which I'm sure there are a few things I've forgotten and some of you will put me right on!

The main thing is - they're hardy, Jungle Fowl outdoor creatures - it's us who have put them in Houses and 95% of the time, they're OK.

The only exception maybe being new arrival ex-batts with no feathers etc.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PAGE

Thanks, Richard

Post by Mo » 16 Sep 2008, 20:00

I liked the bit in the margin about why the chicken crossed the road.

lou · Post by **lou** » 16 Sep 2008, 21:26

Thanks Richard, i will be needing some advice as i don't think i am getting any more girls till January now, and did discuss with Diana some worries over any baldies in the winter. So peoples experiences will be very much welcomed.

sharon the chauffeur · Post by **sharon the chauffeur** » 27 Oct 2008, 18:56

my girls well 2 of them have stopped laying i hear this is normal , is this so?, as also been told they are in molt!, help,

Post by Mo » 28 Oct 2008, 11:47

yes, quite normal.
I'm down to about 1 a day (from 6 oldies)

sharon the chauffeur · Post by **sharon the chauffeur** » 28 Oct 2008, 14:26

thanks Mo for the help:), as i was quite concerned as last night we had 3 good sized eggs and 1 weighing only 22 grams, so at least now my mind is at rest

stiggy · Post by **stiggy** » 14 Nov 2008, 20:59

Hi all - sorry for my absence - been moving house/sorting stuff out...

... well my hens aren't laying at all!

In fact they haven't laid anything in days....

...cause for concern?

:shock:

Post by **wendy** » 15 Nov 2008, 00:16

Not really Stiggy.
At this time of year they tail off laying due to the shorter days. Also they will probably be moullting, so their energies are put into regrowth
Wendy

natand49 · Post by **natand49** » 02 Feb 2009, 12:09

Thanks for the information page. My partner and I are new to this so good to know we don't need to worry... Also interesting to know about the 'poop' as my other half did comment this morning!!!
Also I now understand why they don't take readily to my raw veg cuttings...will give them my cooked leftovers insead...thanks again

stace · Post by **stace** » 24 Feb 2009, 10:03

Was just wondering how you all faired through the winter months!

For any new keepers like me from last summer, it was hard going , and now spring is around the corner )t'

I must say i did enjoy the frosty mornings with sun, the chooks didnt think much of the snow, but got some lovely pics of them!

I know we are not out of the woods yet, but as it was my first winter and i have nearly got through it, looking back it wasnt so bad at all!

Stace

Orfy · Post by **Orfy** » 24 Feb 2009, 10:06

I didn't notice any problems.

My coup is made for from 1/2 thick would so with body heat I guess even I'd be snug.
I think it's the rain that is worst for them.

stace · Post by **stace** » 24 Feb 2009, 10:09

Yes Orfy i agree

We had some really wet weather last summer didnt we!

On the day i got my hens 7th July, it was flooded and seemed to go on for weeks!

The wind and rain is hard to cope with, and of course depends on your setup, mine is not ideal, and am hoping to get that sorted this year!

Stace