RubyandRosie Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Just picked up my 3 new chickens on Saturday. It was a warm day and we got them settled into their Cube and WIR. Today the snow started and there was one foot of snow by the end of the day when I locked them away. I made several visits to break the ice in their frozen glug, and gave them warm porridge in late afternoon (which they loved but was frozen solid within an hour). I rubbed vaseline into their combs and wattles before putting them to bed to prevent frostbite. Any more tips for helping them cope in this terrible weather? All advice appreciated. I am nervous what I will find tomorrow morning, as it is still snowing heavily. I hope the Cube is warm enough for them overnight - have never seen as much snow as today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsunset Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 I think your new chooks will be just fine. Have not had any snow in the year since I got mine but lots of frost in the mornings and frozen water which I had to remove the ice discs from. I leave their pop holes open all year round and this is my first year of chicken keeping and they cuddle up in their feather duvets together and hop out in the am just fine. I did worry as I am up in the far North West of Scotland, but after reading posts on backyardchickens.com, lots of people who had temps of way below freezing had no problems (esp in parts of America which are prone to a few feet of snow in winter!) Your girls will be fine but love the extra attention never the less! More experienced chicken keepers will be along to keep you right, as I am new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LottyJ1 Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 Sounds like you are doing everything you can. They will huddle up in the house to keep warm and a bit of corn before bed will help keep them warm overnight. I make sure mine have enough food and top up their water with hot water so it doesn't freeze as quick. Some people on here use snuggle safes in the coop but I haven't as yet. I hope we get some spring weather soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyandRosie Posted March 12, 2013 Author Share Posted March 12, 2013 Thanks Redsunset and Lotty. Woke up this morning to about 2 foot of snow and had a lot of digging out to do, but they were fine overnight even though some of the snow had got in the Cube through the vent holes. I have put a couple of bath mats over the top of the run (secured with plant pots to weigh them down) and garden tables on their sides to stop the snow coming in on the sides of the run - it is surprising how warm I was able to make it once the wind was blocked out. Will buy some more heavy duty plastic side panels too. Thanks for your tips x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 We are not as cold here,no snow at all but I put a snugglesafe heat pad in with mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
