l_ouise Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 I've got my first POL chickens around April and they've been doing great, but i hate to see them in the horrible weather we have been having. They are in a 3m x 5m fenced area with an eglu classic with the sheltered run and the ground is a mixture of dirt and roots and leaf litter, so it does gets wet but only goes a little muddy right on the surface. They do get let out around the lawned garden every other day or so. But... i feel sorry for them They seem to be gobbling down their food like they've been starved and they do look a little thinner to me - although thay are still laying fine - and i wonder if there is something better to be feeding them than layers pellets at this time of year? Like how people give the wildbirds lard and nuts for fat? They are wormed and things. Also, i worry if they are warm enough inside their eglu? I always gets closed up at night but still... Are they ok with the wind and wet? They are in a sheltered corner of the garden with walls on two sides and then a big tree overhead. I'd hate for them to be cold and wet and miserable. What can i do for them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 They'll be fine They are hardy things, and have a higher body temperature than we do and have their own fantastic feather duvets. Stick you hand under an obliging roosting chicken one evening - the heat is quite incredible even on the coldest night! Many (me included) don't even close the Eglu door over most of winter - although I did when there was snow. The Eglu is in a sheltered spot, and they were just fine. Make sure they have the option of somewhere dry and sheltered and plenty of layers pellets/mash and water as usual, and they should be fine. Do not be tempted to give them fat balls or anything - fat really isn't good for them, and would cause problems. Some (us included!) make up a warm porridge some evenings. Add some hot water to some layers pellets or mash, and you can then all sorts of things - a few porridge oats (which in theory wouldkeep them going over a cold winter night) or cut up veg, or a few meal worms or whatever you have lying around the kitchen. Ours love it, but ultimately it is just their normal food, so not bad for them at all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky1 Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 On really bad days you could give them a handful of corn before bed - it helps warm them up - and they love. Don't over do though because its otherwise useless calories to them. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 Some cold weather advice **here**. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Our_Chooks Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I only have 2 chickens but was also worried about them getting cold I'm so pleased that you posted this message and I am definately going to give them a little porridge as a winter treat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanTheDiver Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 It's zero degrees here at the moment so thought I might shut the cube door (it's been left open all Summer), but I can't because there is a chicken hanging out of it Just shows she can't be cold if she is that much out of the door Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouldercroft Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 It was a little damp and chilly this morning and seeing as I had the day off (veterans day) I decided to make some porridge for the girls. It's their (and mine) first attempt at porridge and they LOVED IT! Josie was eating the porridge that was stuck to the side of Korma's face I'd never have believed in a million years that I would be making porridge for chickens.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woffle Posted November 12, 2010 Share Posted November 12, 2010 ours have been getting a few handfuls of corn late in the afternoon (it's dark and they're in bed by 5:15 now). If I'm working from home then they also get the occasional treat for breakfast when it's below zero. I warm some water and then mash some weetabix / porridge oats / sultanas together - they go absolutely mad for it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrambledhead Posted November 12, 2010 Share Posted November 12, 2010 I was amazed at their hardiness last year. We rescued to barn hens st the end of November, it rained for 4 weeks solid and then came snow and freezing weather for over 2 months. They were fine, they had a daily porridge of pellets and warm water along with whatever veggie s"Ooops, word censored!"s we had and we added warm water to their drinking water regularly to stop it freezing. They seemed absolutely fine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna C Posted November 12, 2010 Share Posted November 12, 2010 It's an ongoing joke in my house. Everyone say r u making "chicky chicky porridge" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burtie14 Posted November 12, 2010 Share Posted November 12, 2010 I've been treating the hens to porridge for the first time. They love it. We've also wrapped most of the WIR in tarp - really keeps them dry. They live like royalty! Blooming chickens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairygothmother Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I am rushing home before it gets dark to make 'warm porridge for the girls tumblies' The kids think i'm mad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Jane Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 mmmmmmmmmmmm porridge nom nom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
