CharLeila Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Good evening fellow Omleteers, After a move around with work, we now have our perfect run set up and 3 (soon to be 6) girls happily homed. We had hens 4 years ago and had to move with work but kept our cube. Really pleased we did as we now have the space to keep them again. One question though. Are the girls really warm enough at night now it's getting colder or do they need something to make life a little more comfortable? I close the cube door every night to keep the cold out but I'm not convinced it's enough for them. Any tips or advice welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Welcome back. I thought I recognised your name Lots of us have been discussing whether to shut the door or not. I have been shutting it recently because mine have lost weight and are moulting really badly and I wanted to keep them warm. I haven't actually shut it before that for a long time - laziness on my part because I didn't want to get up early any more. I just got mine a bag of corn to give them before they go to bed - apparently it keeps them warm overnight - they tucked into that happily earlier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 I too have started shutting the door at night. I also give a layers pellet porridge on really cold mornings. I have a pet heat pad from amazon which I used first winter I had girls but haven't used it last few years and they have been fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyRoo Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Since it's been getting down to 0, I've been closing the door at night. Just be aware that the MET office are predicting a cold snap with some areas dropping to -14c over the next 2 weeks. If it gets that cold here, I'll probably throw a blanket over the cube or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Welcome back! We went to Northallerton on holiday a few years back, had a great time They'll be fine as they are, particularly as you're closing the door. Pop your hand in between the girls on a cold night and you'll be surprised at how warm they are! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 Just be aware that the MET office are predicting a cold snap with some areas dropping to -14c over the next 2 weeks. If it gets that cold here, I'll probably throw a blanket over the cube or something. Top tip: make sure you don't obstruct the air flow!! The vents are there for a reason. Hens generate a lot of heat, and if you don't gave good airflow through the coop, this means that the air becomes very wet and you'll end up with chickens with respiratory problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 Just be aware that the MET office are predicting a cold snap with some areas dropping to -14c over the next 2 weeks. If it gets that cold here, I'll probably throw a blanket over the cube or something. Really ??? Last year my Dad told me it was going to be the worst winter ever and it never was. I will be prepared for the worst weather but will believe it when I see it I would recommend a water heater though if the temperatures are going to go that low Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 9, 2016 Share Posted November 9, 2016 You probably won't remember, but we used to have a member in the US, who kept chooks in temps down to -10; they were fine. You really don't need to make any adjustments, or feed them anything different. Their body temp is 105deg, so really warm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
