johnandkymberley Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 Hi all, i am desperatly looking for some pink knitted poultry jackets does anyone know where I can get some? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 *erm* can I ask why you need them? It is summer after all..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 I seem to remember someone on here saying they weren't particularly safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 No, they're not, nor recommended. Hens have a far higher body temperature than us (105deg) so unless it's the depths of the winter, it's not a good idea to dress them up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 I've heard the same (they're unsafe and unnecessary) ...providing the hen has shade and shelter, she'll cope with the current temperature. If it gets colder, I'd personally stick some extra straw in the nestbox or add a few boxes on their side, filled with straw with the bottom of the box towards any wind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutti Frutti Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 The wool can stunt feather growth but I must admit, I tried Ursula with one when she was completely bald and it was the middle of the snow last winter... AND SHE HATED IT! In the end, I put more bedding in and a snugglesafe type thingy in the poo tray and they were lovely and toasty Your 7 girls will feather up in a matter of days and keep each other warm at night - try not to worry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 6, 2010 Share Posted August 6, 2010 The BHWT advise against the use of knitted jackets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreveryoung Posted August 6, 2010 Share Posted August 6, 2010 The BHWT advise against the use of knitted jackets. I thought they were the ones that started it (i might be wrong) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 6, 2010 Share Posted August 6, 2010 viewtopic.php?f=7&t=35257&p=543671&hilit=knitted+jumpers#p543671 This is the BHWT response to the many emails we've received about hen jumpers The BHWT does not usually recommend knitted jumpers for hens in cold weather. Although a lovely idea, the jumpers can sometimes cause the birds to get entangled leading to possible injury, especially if the knit is loose. However, they can be useful if the bird is unable to move around, perhaps through injury, and extra warmth is needed. Our general advice on keeping threadbare hens warm in winter is to keep them well protected from the wind and wet by providing not just a good hen house, but also storm shelter outside the hen house. The cold weather itself will stimulate the bird into feather production and a vitamin and mineral supplement like Poultry Spice or Life Guard will also encourage new feather growth. If a bird is completely featherless, heat lamp facilities should be provided until feathers appear. Other tips include giving the birds regular access to warm water and ensuring they have good deep bedding. The residents of the elderly ladies’ home had already knitted some jumpers for the hens and as a result we did not want to disappoint their kind gesture. It is really encouraging that people are starting to view hens as sentient creatures so worthy of our care. Thanks for your support of BHWT. Buffie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
