Unsecure chicken perches

[JM]

Hi - what does anyone think about this? I'd really appreciate any advice at all! Thanks

 

One of my chooks (Winnie) is in full moult at the moment and is really suffering with the cold. The other 2 are moulting in sections, so they are OK.

 

On Friday morning, when I was clearing out the nesting box (where they all sleep), their poo was frozen, so for the past few nights, I've been bringing them into the shed which has a heater in to take the chill off (ie keeps it at about 2 - 4°C), then putting them back into the cube run during the day. Winnie always makes a bee line up to the nest box to keep warm (not surprisingly). I think Winnie would be quite happy in the shed all the time during the cold weather, but the other 2 wouldn't. I've got them all in the cube run now, but I put a heatpad in the nest box and when I last looked, Winnie was in there, sitting on the heat pad.

 

So should I just keep Winnie in the warm until she feathers up a bit? I'm tempted to, but I'm a bit wary of separating Winnie totally in case the others bully her when they get back together again.

 

As an aside - about a month ago, Winnie had her tail feathers pulled out in a dog attack, then the vet found a large lump in her abdomen - so although she's eating, drinking and pooing OK, she's obviously weakened by this lump... She's actually been quite happy until this cold snap...

 

Thanks in advance

 

Jill

[sandyhas3chucks]

Dear Jill , I think you know what will be best.

I am the worst to advice you as I have 2 permanently living indoors (disabled and a 3rd was ill has joined them, I know lots on another forum are bringing theirs in if only over night.others have them in the conservatory.

I think your girl has shown you what is best for her.

you can let the others in 1 at a time for visits so they don't forget each other.and her out on warmer days if she wants to, just cool her down indoors a wee while before letting her out into freezing conditions.

My 3rd one in by the way was pooly and weak, on antibiotics going through a moult, and seems not eating enough(actually very little)and she really went from strength to strength inside.

[Egluntyne]

I'd keep them together and use a Snugglesafe to provide warmth.

[sandyhas3chucks]

Just thinking... is your run nicely covered from all the elements and no draughts (well a draught free place to get to with lots of flooring to keep the floor from feeling freezing?

[JM]

Thanks everyone!

 

Sandyhas3chooks - the cube run is covered with a clear tarporline, then I've got the Omlet wind shades under the cube and some plastic sheeting along most of the sides (as the tarp only covers the top). The floor of the run is covered with Aubiose (quite deep) and under that is bare earth. It's all sited under a big tree so it's fairly protected - but it doesn't really see any sun at this time of year (when it appears).

 

Egluntine - When I put them out, I put the snugglesafe in the nest box and Win spent a couple of hours there before coming down the steps and spending the rest of the afternoon hunched under the cube!

 

They are all in the shed tonight. I put Winnie in first so she had first go at the warm oat porridge and tuna, then bought the other 2 along a few minutes later. As soon as they appeared though, Win dashed into the cat box (which is their temporary bed) as if to get clear of the other two!

 

At least her feathers are showing now - she doesn't seem to be losing any more!

 

Jill

[Plum]

Its been very cold in the day so the change in temperature from shed to outside and heated pad and run gives quite a range. Perhaps you would be better keeping them all in the shed for a few days where the temperature will fluctuate less. Supposed to be warming up in a few days .

 

Mine are all in the conservatory at present kept at temp of 0 - 4 degrees with ventilation because one is moulting and was looking pretty off it. She's brighter and acting normally now. I'm going to put them out thursday when the weather is forcast to be above freezing day and night.

[JM]

It's a bit warmer outside today - I opened up the shed to let them choose - Bunty was out like a shot, Daphne sort of got round to it, but Winnie definitely decided to stay indoors!! - so the first 2 are now in the cube run (they are fully feathered and raring to go!) and Winnie is in the shed by herself - having first dabs at food, water and treats. She definitely seems a bit brighter today - she's not losing any feathers now - and most of the replacements are showing through quite well, so she must be feeling a bit warmer. I will put her out with the others in an hour or so - then put them all back in the shed. Hopefully the sun will come round to the back of the house, so they can all come up and do some sunbathing outside the back door!

[Plum]

I'm coming over your part of the country then. Was -16 on way to work and blooming cold all day

 

I've found the quills are really warm to the touch which although may help keep her warm can also be a way of losing heat quickly. I've found best way is to watch their behaviour and like you are doing, do your best to protect them