Be measured when letting yourchickensroam around the barnyard during the winter , particularly if snow is on the ground . In cold weather , chicken are prostrate to frostbite on their pes and combs . When frostbite come about , the chicken ’s leg will be very warm to the touch sensation . It wo n’t desire to put weight on it and will perhaps hobble , as well . Unfortunately , the gimpiness is permanent .
Frostbite is most commonly find oneself on the coxcomb of males because they have a larger Earth’s surface domain . Hens ’ coxcomb can also be affect , peculiarly in achicken breedwith a large cockscomb , such as a commercialLeghorn , as opposed to those with a pea plant or rose cockscomb .
For the most part , preventing frostbite comes down to choosing the appropriate type of surroundings for your chickens . Some people choose to keep chickens outside during the wintertime , but it ’s probably a good idea to keep them in acoop . you could still provide your birds approach to the open air , but most will stay inwardly or only embark a few feet from the coop .
bet on the temperature , you might want to provide your chicken some supplemental heat energy , too—50 to 70 degrees F is unspoilt . If you have an insulated coop , just button it up for the winter , but monitor the wet in the coop — excessive wet can causehealth issues . Put one or two passion lamps somewhat closely to the rod so the doll can get radiant heat ; however , because rut lamps can also overheat fowl , get them inadaptable to ambient temperature edition , low heating is recommend .
If the heat lamp is not overly bright , you should n’t acknowledge a significant variety inegg production . you’re able to keep it on until the spring . As the days grow warm and the rude light come in in , you may grow the heating system lamp off without a modification in productiveness .
Also consider a heating lamp ’s potency as afire jeopardy , especially if you utilise shavings or cereal straw for bedding . Keep enough aloofness between the heating plant lamp and bedding , and be sure your heat lamps have lamp guards to prevent feather and combing burns from direct contact with the snort .
masses also put hot piddle bottle in the hencoop so the birds can draw close against them at Nox .
Many people choose to clean the coop in the fall , but really , you’re able to wait until spring . That extra layer of bedding in the coop over winter will help oneself isolate the building . Ammonia needs moisture to develop , so occasionally top dress the bedding with shaving or straw to forbid it from build . Also make certain you have adequate external respiration with vents at the top of the roof where tune can be pulled in one side and vented out the other , as ill ventilate coops can cause respiratory - health problem .
— Darrin M. Karcher , PhD , poultry extension specialiser for the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University
This article originally appear in the September / October 2011 issue ofHobby Farms .
