I had really hoped for a mild winter for our first winter with seramas but instead we are having the longest cold spell for many years. For the last five days we have had frost and frozen chicken waters in the mornings and it is forecast to continue for the next four days.
In the past we have had frosty nights and mornings but with milder days but this time the day time temperatures are staying really low so it feels much colder. The ground remains frozen all day.
This morning I knew it was even colder as the chicken’s water was frozen solid and I had to run the dish under the hot tap to get the ice block out. Our van gave the temperature as -6 when my husband went out to get the Sunday papers.
If the little girls continue to be okay in these conditions then I don’t think I will ever need to worry about them in winter again.
I am leaving the shed door open to give them respite when they need it and there is morning sun on the perches above the ladders which they are taking advantage of. The pattern is set at the moment with them perching in the sun in the mornings and scratching in the shed in the afternoons.
I am also giving them warm mash each morning, warm water in the drinking dishes and a bit of extra corn at bedtime. I think this is all I can do to help them.
Yesterday afternoon
All the girls were busy pecking in the shavings
The little girls stayed in there after the bigger girls had left
This morning
All the girls perch together in the morning sun
The photos are a bit hazy as I was looking straight into the sun. I am grateful that despite the cold there is at least some sun in the mornings. You can see from the background how frozen the ground is.
I know other countries have a lot colder weather than this but for us this is unusually cold. We are really fed up with it now and can’t wait for it to change. The little girls seem to be handling it well though and I am really pleased about that.
I would love to add some more seramas to the flock but will wait for much better weather before thinking about that. I just want to get the girls through this cold spell and am looking forward to when we get back to normal temperatures.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
I can see how frosty it is, We are getting them too, most of the time the sea keeps them away. But it has been a lovely day..
It has been blue sky and sunshine so it could be worse. It has been only about 2 degrees though and the ground has stayed frozen all day. I also worry about the girls feet jumping down from the perches onto frozen ground. I suppose I will always find something to worry about and the girls do seem absolutely fine. Roll on spring!
Oh My and this January has been so very mild and wet for us. The grass is greening and I have unplugged the heated dog dish i use for the chicken’s water. It is 61F – is that around 16 C? It is usually freezing (32F) or well below and often icy and or snowy here (mid Ohio USA) this time of year. Was able to spend a few hours mulching in the garden and giving the chickens fresh straw in their pen.
I struggle with the conversion and had to look it up. 61F is 16C and freezing 32F is 0C so our -6C is 21F. I am amazed that we are colder than you at the moment. This is unusual for us. It is forecast to continue for three or four more days then should return to more normal. I can’t wait for a return to normal temperatures for us. Your chickens must be enjoying the milder temperatures.
n less severe up north, but this morning I, too, had to bring the drinkers into the kitchen and run them under the hot tap. Despite the dismmal weather and the confinement, egg production is becoming steady, with 4 of my 6 pullets now laying. Cotton still broody – but keeping snug and warm in one of the nest boxes!
I am envious of your egg production. Eggs seem to be a thing of the past here, or the future! Can’t wait for eggs again. One advantage of a broody is staying warm in the nest box!