The cold weather affects each part of the farm differently. Chickens that are full grown are usually able to handle cold weather better than warm weather due to their increase internal temperature which is about 105 to 107F. In fact they can handle temps into the negatives if they are dry, out of the wind, and have fresh water, so with just a little extra hay or covering they are good to go. The cold really affects young chicks before they get their feathers because they can't keep themselves warm. This means they have to stay under a heat lamp until the feathers fully come in which is usually about 2-3 months.
Here at the Muddy Homestead, the chicks usually go outside at about a month old due to them needing more space than the brooder, first home, can provide. Due to heating needs the chicks are homed in large dog cages with chicken wire around or in a smaller coop depending of the number of chicks. Currently there are 6 chicks that are two months old in a extra large dog cage and 13 chicks that are a week younger in a smaller coop. These are both covered by tarps and have heat lights still on them even though the chicks are almost fully feathered.. The chicks are able to move out of the direct line of the heat lamp in case they get to hot, so they can manage their comfort and body heat levels.
The tarps covering the cages/coops adds to the struggle to get the chicks food and water as the tarps have to be moved and managed to get in there. The tarps are also not tight around the coop or cage due to the need for fresh air. We make sure that the tarps lay loosely over so that their is an air flow through to keep the chicks from respiratory concerns.
The chicks are provided fresh water and food three times a day. When asked why we fed three times instead of just giving more food once, we feel that by giving less more often the food is more likely to be eaten and not wasted. It also requires us to check water three times which the chicks usually knock over or gets pull of dirt, limiting the amount of water that the chicks will drink.
Winter time is not the usually time that most people want chicks due to the added need for a heat source and protection, but for the last three years we have had chicks join the farm the beginning of November and it has worked out. Yes it requires extra care but come spring time the hens are ready to start laying and we are getting an increase in fresh eggs.
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