Storms and chickens

[Cats&Chickens]

Hens are in a secure run with tarp over/round it, they have an eglu go up.

As it’s not been that cold I don’t close the coop door at night, now temp has dropped to 0 does anyone else close door? If not is there a min temp at which you would?

or do they keep themselves warm?

thx!

[HarrisonFamily]

I have never closed the door as mine like to sleep out on a branch so I am sure they will be fine.

[soapdragon]

They will huddle together and keep warm. If you are desperatley worried you could throw an old blanket over the top of the coop for your own peace of mind but they will be fine without!

[Cat tails]

I have an wireless outdoor thermometer in the coop. Last year during a week of -10 at night I did close the coop, because I only have bantams. But to be honest, it didn’t make a lot of difference temperature wise.

[Cats&Chickens]

Thanks, they have aubiose bedding in tray under the rungs. 
if I put straw in there they just eat it…

they seem fine, one is moulting and being pecked so was a bit worried about her being cold…!

[Cat tails]

At this moment, the Eglu with door open is 4,5 degrees, while outside is 2,7.

I like having a thermometer in there. Both gives me some peace of mind and insight. Also in hot summers.

[HarrisonFamily]

On 11/28/2021 at 10:37 PM, Cats&Chickens said:

Thanks, they have aubiose bedding in tray under the rungs. 
if I put straw in there they just eat it…

they seem fine, one is moulting and being pecked so was a bit worried about her being cold…!

I maybe wrong but I don't use straw as the only time I used it I found red mite everywhere shortly afterwards ...

[Beantree]

I've been closing the only pop-hole normally left open (in a very secure enclosure) from 5C. It's forecast -4C tonight and we are bringing our bantams into the garage with thermostat controlled heating set to 8C, because we know they do suffer from cold and they are getting quite old now. If it gets much colder than that we will consider bringing others in.