Keeping Chickens Warm During Extreme Cold | Tips For Cold Weather Comfort

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Here are a few tips for keeping your chickens warm in extreme cold. We also deal with frost on one of the hens. Hope this help!

[@gkarenstratton]

Please, what do you mean you deal with that frostbite? What did you do? What do you think about applying Mushers' Secret to the combs and wattles (even legs?) - or Vaseline if you can't get any?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@gkarenstratton We had one hen with frost on her, not frostbite. No matter what you do, your girls will get some frostbite. Some little pieces of wattle (or comb) will get some frostbite. We just let the little pieces fall off. They seem to regrow some comb over the next summer. Either you'll get frostbite or you'll add products to the comb (and you'll still get frostbite). Personally, I would never add a petroleum product on my girls. Personal preference. I hope this answered your question.

[@gkarenstratton]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm. Yes, thank you! Mushers' Secret, though, is mineral oil and beeswax (and other oils if you want them...i wdnt spend that extra money) rather than petroleum Vaseline.

[@HyggeHomestead]

My 6 lb 15 yr old Maltese is successfully wearing infant diapers. Last year she had a series of seizures after going outside to pee. One of these seizures left her deaf. The vet says no outside for her at all. She a great dog. She used to work with me everyday (until corona) then she retired. I work in occupational therapy (like physical therapy). She had a good career & helped a lot of sick hurt recuperating people. She deserves to stay under a blanket until this is over. Great video. Thanks

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

That is great that she can stay inside and be warm and cared for. My daughter is an OT and it is a highly rewarding career. Thanks for all you do! You change lives!! Merry Christmas!

[@claydavis9157]

Just by listening to your girls, can tell that they are content ❤️

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They seem to be happy hens (most of the time). They definitely love summer better where they are out free ranging all day. Another few months! Thanks for watching!

[@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291]

A local church had a bunch of pumpkins left over from Halloween and gave them to the public for free. We filled up the back of our car with them. We gave some to a friend who also has chickens. Our birds got so many pumpkins this year that they wouldn’t eat anymore after getting them every day 😂. We fed some to the deer, our goats and even our rabbits. Everything got tired of them except the deer.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We keep them in the garage where they freeze. Then we can bring them out one a week. Next year see if you can find a way to freeze them (or preserve them) so your hens have them all winter. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@pamanderson1417]

Your hens look very happy, healthy, and well cared for. If the cold bothered them, they would be huddling and fluffing but they look comfortable and very excited about the extras you have provided. We have a smaller flock and space than you and use similar methods in winter. We also move our rabbit hutch into the coop as the extra heat from the rabbits helps keep the coop warm and the hens still have all their usual floor space under the hutch. Many hens will benefit from the info you are providing to their people 😊 Merry Christmas!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I bet the rabbits add some warmth (and share the chicken warmth). This is tough weather and everyone is dealing with it. I hope this helps. It's a challenging time! Merry Christmas!

[@ForTheLoveOfHomes]

We are -20 below wind chills here in OK. I want to bring all the animals inside. Chickens, pigs, everything! Our chickens do have a really nice home and hopefully as well off as they could be. Ours seem to be doing well, as do yours. Like the indoor thermometer. That would give me a lot of peace.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

If you find a thermometer like that, grab it. It really helps, when you need it. It gave us peace of mind a few winters ago. It proves the Deep Litter works! Have a great Christmas!! Stay warm!

[@dougroberts3643]

Thanks, Rich, for the reassurance video. I have the open air coop design and it had snow blown in it this morning. My girls had snow on their backs. It's -3 deg with 60 mph wind gusts creating wind chills of -30 deg. I was heartbroken to see my chickens in this condition. And I'm the one that put them in it. So I did some modifications this morning. There won't be any more of that happening to them. But it does show how resilient they really are.

[@dougroberts3643]

And I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The hens are tougher than we give them credit for. Wither their feathers, and down jacket underneath, they can keep pretty warm. They fluff those feathers and huddle together. Your modifications probably set them up for success! Keep us posted on the progress. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Doug!

[@suziehartwright]

Amazing, thanks!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks Suzie! We appreciate you stopping by! Have a great weekend!

[@evelyny7037]

What an awesome barn! Your girls are beautiful! Such a blessing to have that many eggs!☺️

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks Evelyn. We love our barn and agree that our hens are beautiful! Our customers love the eggs (as do we!)! Cheers!

[@NorthTexasChickens]

I really like your barn set up. 28 degrees is tolerable compared to the -15. The coldest we have gotten this winter in my part of Texas is 7°F.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I like how the deep litter keeps the barn warm. I was surprised how warm the walls were versus the temp outside. I'm sure it is the heat coming off the hens and the deep litter. All-in-all, the hens are quite comfortable inside during the winter. I've heard we have one more cold spell coming in mid-February and then we might be good for the winter. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers from Minnesota!

[@jimdunkle4823]

Great video, thanks

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment. Have a great weekend Jim! Cheers!

[@ravenslair117]

Great and informative video!! I love the red feeders!!! And the roosting bars!! Thanks so much for the excellent tips!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for the kind words! I've got videos on the feeders and the roosting bars. They both work great! Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment! Cheers!

[@LifewithBlindaandChuck]

Great tips Rich. I didn't factor in the boredom, but I can imagine a few days stuck inside would cause some issues if they didn't have something to occupy their mind.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They are a lot like humans when bored. They tend to get on each other's nerves and pecking can start. I'm trying to keep them calm and focused on finding food, etc. Thanks for watching! Merry Christmas Chuck & Blinda!

[@shelleysimmons2804]

Thanks for the information. Happy New Year.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy New Year Shelley!

[@nicobass1966]

Love it - I've got 13 and getting 9 or 10 eggs each day, they get loads of treats, high protein

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Good for you! 9-10 is a great number. With some lighting, our productions never drops off in winter. Keep the treats coming and they will keep you happy all year 'round! Thanks for stopping by to watch! Keep us posted on your hens. Cheers!

[@gardentours]

They look and sound very happy 🐓 🎶🐓🌽🤗 Stay safe and warm in this blizzard 💨🌨 ❄️

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The hens seem to be holding up OK for not being outdoors in a few days. This blizzard has been taxing on everyone. Stay warm!!

[@amyexner]

Omg…I loooove your chicken barn…and how you look after them is THE best I’ve seen.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We love our girls and make sure they are comfortable. We don't go overboard but they know they are loved! In return, they give us the best eggs!!! Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment! Cheers!

[@Homestead.Dreamer]

Deep litter seems to be working for the girls. Merry Christmas Rich and Holly, stay warm! 🎄🐣

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The deep litter is in full effect and should keep the hens warm all winter! Thanks for stopping by! Merry Christmas!

[@creativefloralswtMartina]

I'm glad that you do your best to keep them warm and busy. Thank you for sharing all these effective tips on this cold episode. 🙏☺️⛄ Merry Christmas to both of you as well. 🙏☺️🎄🧑‍🎄⛄

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

For us, it's important to keep them busy (and warm). Happy chickens lay happy eggs! Cheers Martina!

[@LytonaKirtz]

Very informative video, Rich! Chickens seem to do quite well in the cold. You and Holly stay safe.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Our girls seem to be happy (so far). We are out to visit them every hour (to get eggs). We continually check on their health. Have a Merry Christmas Tani and stay warm!!

[@ForTheLoveOfHomes]

The pumpkin is a great idea. I know my girls are going crazy.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We grow extra pumpkins and let some freeze. Once we bring them out, the girls will peck at them until they are all gone!

[@GrannyPreps]

Give it to the girls, I love it❤❤❤

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They seem to love all we do and they seem to stay plenty warm in the winter. Thanks for watching Granny! Cheers!

[@GrannyPreps]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm You're welcome..

[@emanarham6443]

Too much chilly winter 🥶🥶....woww that's very informative sharing 🙂🙂🙂

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting! We appreciate your support! Happy New Year!

[@johnfrancismaglinchey4192]

If I come back as a hen in my next life,,,,,, I’m going to live at OLD SWEDES FARM,,,,, Five Star Accommodation. 👍👍👍✌✌✌❤❤

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

John - We'll reserve you a spot! Thanks for stopping by!

[@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999]

Burrr.. Nice job with spreading the straw in their barn.. I put a whole bag of wood chips in the coop! Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I hope it warms up for all of us. I heard you had pipe issues. Let us know if we can help in any way. Merry Christmas, Barb!

[@hikangs4K]

Here are some tips to help keep your chickens warm and comfortable in extremely cold weather 🌴Merry Christmas to you all 🧡 Best wishes for the Holidays and the New Year 🎅🎊☃ 🌲🎁❄

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting! We appreciate your support! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Cheers!

[@gardeningmadeeasywiththeol3945]

Hi Rich, that really is mighty cold and hope that you and the girls keep safe! Best Wishes, Paul & Nadj.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The girls will take this all in stride and be ready to run around outside next week. We just need to get through this cold spell. Merry Christmas!!!

[@MyrtleBeachWebAngel]

I have wild little Carolina Anole lizards out in the garden... I use those heated pads that go under the chicken's water dish too, but use a crock pot filled with water, then place potted plants around it and stuff in straw and spagnum moss. The crock pot is a big old oval one with a lid. (from goodwill) It holds heat well then radiates it out slowly. I started with a plastic bucket, but it doesn't radiate heat like stoneware and ceramics. Mine is on the porch with cold concrete under it, so there's a piece of bubble wrap, then a small towel with a piece of aluminum foil on top .. then the heater pad goes on top of that at directly touching the bottom of the pot. Humidity isn't a problem since it's not letting much water escape. I put it out last week and the water level has barely gone down. I love these videos and have learned so much!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

If you find one of these on sale, grab it. It might be easier than the bubble wrap, towel, foil, heater pad, crock pot. Simplicity without having having the issue of one of your hens jumping up on the crock pot. We had a local person have a hen burn her feet on a crock pot. If you're from SC, it shouldn't be too cold there. I used to get down to Columbia each month. You all are such nice people! I miss getting down there!! Cheers!

[@MyrtleBeachWebAngel]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Sorry I forgot to mention those chicken water electric heat pads only get to 78⁰ (I stuck an aquarium thermometer on outside of the crock pot itself and laid a regular thermometer on the lid) This is only the pot & lid. None of the cooking elements 💘 The lizards seem happy but I'm not sure what I'd do to make sure the chickens wouldn't flip it over... I don't know how strong they are. Maybe fill it with rocks then water? 🤔 It's really more to snuggle up to. I'm also testing a submersible 25 watt aquarium heater in another area with a big steel pot & lid. That stays 78⁰ too so far 👍 I guess that's the magic number.

[@MyrtleBeachWebAngel]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm We got down to 21⁰ last week and below 30⁰ for several nights 🥶😮😮😮 We aren't used to those harsh conditions 😄 and can only brave cat 3 hurricanes (when it gets to cat 4, it's time to run to the car and head inland 🚙🏃🏼‍♀️🌀🌀🌀)

[@ArielleViking]

Interesting update on keeping your chickens warm in blizzard conditions. ❤️🎄

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It was fun to see the deep litter in action! It really worked well! Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@geraldrector6170]

I used a black semi truck canvas tarp I put oner my chicken coop. The tarp would suck up heat and when it was in the teens and colder when I went in to feed them n water you could feel the heat immediately. Never had any frostbite trouble at all.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Great idea! The capturing of heat is a great use of the tarp! Thanks for sharing!

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Rich, it's good to see how well your girls are doing in these extremely cold conditions. Christmas blessings to you and Holly! ~Margie🤗🎄

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They are holding their own and seem to be healthy (and happy). It is unreal outside. Just nasty! Have a great Christmas, Margie! Cheers!

[@amandamarohl9034]

Happy happy girls!🤗

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Happy hens lay lots of eggs!!

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

The deep litter method seems to be working well. Almost a 40 degree temp change from outside to inside of the barn.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It is remarkable how much that composting action can contribute to the overall temp in the barn! Have a great Christmas Joey & Kris!!

[@outdoorstours]

Hello Sweden ♥ Nice presentation! Many thanks for sharing dear. All the best to you. See you soon again. Many Greetings from Germany ♥

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for joining us! We appreciate your support! Happy New Year from Minnesota!!

[@bethberry320]

Thank you I’d love this video. It was very helpful. I also love how you care for your babies.😊

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We've found that our girls do really well in the cold. I worry about them more in the heat of the summer. We love our girls and try to take good care of them. Thanks for your kind comments. If we can be of assistance, let us know. Cheers Beth!

[@Lymond1]

Corn=High TDN We also fed cracked corn to our horses during the extreme cold. Great add.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They love the corn and I know it helps a bit to keep them warm at night. Thank you for watching and commenting! Merry Christmas Larry!

[@MyAlabamaFarmLife]

They all look healthy, happy and warm. Merry Christmas!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

So far, they're doing OK. Three more months and we'll be heading into Spring!!! Merry Christmas Kathleen!

[@MtnGrandma]

Ohhh love the barn you all have!!! And all the chickens look so happy. Great tips! We’re actually worrying about how cold we might get here on the new homestead in MO so taking notes!! 😊👍❤️

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

You will be fine. Just keep them out of the wind and they will be fine. A larger concern is the heat in summer. The hens can keep warm just fine. They need help to stay cool! Happy New Year!

[@MtnGrandma]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm okay good to know! Being from AZ we got the heat part covered!! 😊👍 Happy New Year to you all!! 😊👍❤️

[@angham3829]

🙏Pray for more happy chickens!

[@DRSS_TV]

Wow, selamat malam Pakde.... Anda sangat luar biasa dan terlihat sangat ahli dalam urusan perawatan ayam. Terimakasih sudah berbagi ilmu pengetahuan dan juga pengalamannya ya. Great job, maturnuwun sanget nggih. Terus berbagi tetap semangat dan semoga senantiasa diberikan kesehatan

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for watching and thank you for the kind words. We love our chickens! Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@YogiHollowFarm]

Excellent video Rich. The deep litter is superb for generating heat. Chickens are super resilient…and do well in winter. Love the boredom busters. We do cabbage. Great video friend!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I need to find a way to hang some cabbage in the barn. That's a great idea! Thanks Lisa!!

[@MinuteontheMountain]

That looked so cold, man. Your face was bright red just getting to the barn. Good tips. Stay safe and have a Merry Christmas.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We had some incredible cold for about four days. Looks like we're making it out the other side!! Thanks for stopping by! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

[@kangtani_indonesia]

Very good chicken farm I hope the livestock will be successful

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you! We are hoping to add to our flock this year and also add other animals this year. Cheers!

[@Korpen_1979]

Thank you for this! Greetings from the old world of southern Sweden.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Greetings to you from southern Minnesota. My ancestors came from southern Sweden! Have a great week!

[@Korpen_1979]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I see. Many Swedes emigrated from Småland to Minnesota in the hope of a better life. My family and I live farthest south in the middle of the Scania (Skåne) region and here we have very fertile soil on the plain so the farmers here were a little better off.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@Korpen_1979 My family was from Skane. All farmers and came her to farm. Take care!!

[@Korpen_1979]

@@TheOldSwedesFarmWow the world is quite small after all, I live in a small village in the middle of Skåne. Can I ask from where your family came? Do you happen to know? Take care you to!

[@erikalfan1027]

very cold weather and very thick snow really helps with warm shelter friends

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The shelter sure helps. The snow and wind are brutal right now. Cheers!

[@juanisgarden5356]

Great tips!! You take such good care of your girls!!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We sure try to take care of the ladies. Happy hens = lots of happy eggs! Cheers Juani!

[@withabike]

Thank you for your great channel for brightening my day! I am so impressed with your channel! Thank you for your wonderful creation! You are very successful! Thanks for sharing! Happy new year!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for the kind words! We try to keep our girls happy and warm. Happy chickens = happy eggs!! Thanks again for joining us! If you haven't already, please consider subscribing so you can see future videos! Happy New Year!

[@gosiarhomecooking5123]

Hey Rich , great job keeping chicken warm. . Merry Christmas.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

So far, they're doing OK. It's a challenging time for everyone! Have a Merry Christmas! Cheers!

[@FrancesSeng]

Hi , i enjoyed your videos. I have closed in chicken similar to yours. Last December we had strong winds that came down to my chicken run and finally i had it build up recently. I’m having little difficulty deciding for flooring. Can you give me some knowledge about what to use for flooring. Also before you put on the straw how did you prepare the flooring. Thanks so much. I hope you can help.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The "floor" is nothing more than the crushed rock and dirt that came with the barn. Nothing added. We just put the straw down in clumps on the floor and the hens spread it around. The straw and the droppings equal heat! Let me know how else I can help you! Winter is coming! Cheers!

[@PetersonFarmsofNashvillePFON]

Our Chickens are doing well Had trouble with a new water heater but I’m surprised how warm the girls hav our coop in this -5 and 40MPH Winds Great Video thanks for sharing

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

This cold (and wind) is brutal. I'm glad your gals are doing well and staying warm. Merry Christmas Phil to you and your family!!

[@Pennies_on_the_dollar]

I guess I am back in the bullseye again, taking comments that I make! I watch this one made a comment as normal and come back and it's gone, imagine that! Very good video Mr rich, I actually had a long conversation with a friend/coworker about his chickens and directed him to this particular video so he can better understand what it was you guys have been doing with the deep litter! Thank you again my apologies for the missing comment I do get behind sometimes but I did watching comment on this one before! Have a good day my friend cheers hello to the measures as well 😁😁😁🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Not sure why a comment would be removed. I don't think that's ever happened to me. Maybe you're on a YT watch list! Thanks for the referral! I appreciate it! Cheers Nelson!

[@Pennies_on_the_dollar]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I must be on some kind of list, the no subs, and Mia comment list 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤦🤦🤦

[@ScarlettEmeraldASMR]

Excellent

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Happy New Year!

[@hardnackfarms1736]

Merry Christmas Rich. You have a very nice set up for your chickens. Gosh this cold is brutal. We aren’t used to the polar and arctic temps down here. Stay warm! Happy Holidays! Wendy🎄🙏🏻🌎

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We're not used to the polar weather either. Brutal is the correct word for the weather. I feel like all I've done for two days is move snow and check on the chickens! Stay warm Wendy and Merry Christmas!

[@hardnackfarms1736]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Rich that doesn’t sound like fun, when we get snow here my husband and I normally get the Can Am out and throw some mud around, but we are sick we didn’t get a lot of snow but we were at 3 for a few days😢🥶 I am under an electric throw and resting. Those chickens are very well cared for they better leave you lots of eggs and compost😀 Blessings to you and Hollie

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@hardnackfarms1736 There is never a problem with them leaving us compost!! Cheers Wendy!

[@hardnackfarms1736]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm so many benefits to those girls! Have a blessed holiday

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

That thermometer is pretty slick Rich. They definitely don't seem to mind. Just shows how important the deep little is. Is there a risk of the eggs freezing? If it got super cool they would congregate too ? Thanks for the update !! Cheers J&C ❄️🥶🐔👍🎅

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

If it was really cool, they would huddle together on the deep straw. They huddle together on the roosts at night. There is a risk of freezing eggs. Holly and I go out every hour and pull eggs to keep the risk low. So far we've lost one and I think it was laid at night (and was out for 12 hours). Most of our hens lay from 7am - 4pm. Thank you for watching! Merry Christmas!

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm that's really valuable info Rich. Cheers!!

[@southtexashay777]

Merry Christmas guys. Man you guys are freezing and I am Cutting and Baling Hay December 24 and on Christmas Day. Keep warm my friend's

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Enjoy the cutting and baling! We're going to get above zero today (which means we're going to get snow!). Have a great Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@juliepeeks4184]

Loved the video, I live in Alaska, rough winters here, I try to learn it all. What did they do back in the old days, my Grandmother use to say, Chickens will survive with a little help. Thank you love the video.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the video! I bet you've got some rough conditions, as we do. Our hens do just fine, as well as they can stay out of the direct wind. Our barn stays pretty nice all year around. Thanks again Julie! Cheers!

[@christianpopovici9501]

I am amazed by the size of your barn. What are the dimensions of your barn?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I think the hens have access to a space that is approx. 30' x 25'. It's a great space and we've created "layers" with the roosts, tree, table, etc. They have plenty of space to spread out and stay off each other's nerves! Cheers Christian!

[@crubbythebeagle57]

old swede it was important to keep warm the chickens

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Warm chickens make good eggs! Thanks for watching!!

[@lindawilbert3202]

Endless adds running at the beginning that can't be skipped

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Sorry you ran into the ads. I watched and there were two short ads at the beginning, two at the 6:25 mark and two after the video. Try it again and hopefully you won't have to watch too many. Keep me posted. Thanks Linda!

[@mariew6154]

Hi enjoyed this video. Do you have a brand name on that thermometer?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It says Raytek Raynget ST on it. Not sure where I got it but it's been great around the barn. I'm sure this is not the intended purpose but it sure is nice to have! Cheers!

[@Salty_TaterTodd]

Just mix the corn in with the feed to minimize waste

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

There is no waste with these girls. They get it all. I also use the corn to get the hens to work for me. They dig for the corn and turn over the straw/poop combination and that mixes up our deep litter, and that keeps the barn warm.

[@mobileplayers5008]

Those light bulbs at least 100-300 watts max. Which costs your electric bills crazy up. Since winter very less Sunshine n even you have solar it becomes useless.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They are 20 watt LED bulbs. Pretty cheap to keep the hens laying. We added it up and it's peanuts compared to the output we are getting in eggs for our customers.

[@SPChef1981]

Is it better to have pine shavings under straw? Or one or the other?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We have always just used straw. Pine shavings are expensive, compared to straw. Multiple layers of straw is perfect! Hope this helps!

[@ECole-le7we]

Have you considered a radiant heater?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

No way. Our hens are built for our weather. They have a lot of outer feathers and a fluffy down jacket underneath. I don't want the hens getting used to a heater. If they get used to it, and the power goes out, they are in danger. They are just fine with their feathers, the deep litter, some added corn. You just need to eliminate any drafts and moisture. The air needs to exchange to move the moisture out and keep the wind out. Our barn, and past coop, are perfect for them. No heater ever needed, even at -20f. Hope this makes sense.

[@stanhill3980]

What degree angle is the pvc in the chicken feeders?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They are 90-degree angled PVC. It goes almost to the bottom of the feeder. We have a video on our channel about building the feeder. Check it out. Let me know if you have other questions. Cheers!

[@pj_ytmt-123]

Compost heating also produces harmful gases doesn't it? Might be dangerous for smaller enclosures!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I would bet that the composting gives off methane. I have never heard of anyone having an issue with methane, or any study to talk about this issue. I am sure that our ventilation is more than enough to handle this. Cheers!

[@pj_ytmt-123]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Yep, that's the problem: it's not talked about until something happens. Free heat is not worth dying for! Also, hardy species of chickens survive winters just fine in a well-built coop.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Do you all get rodent issues with the feed bins?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We see an occasional mouse in the barn. Mice don't dare go to the feeders. Our hens are hunters and would grab them and eat them!

[@Gma22kids]

HOW MANY CHICKENS DO YOU HAVE?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We had 60 hens at the time of this filming. We've downsized until spring and have 8 hens now. We'll upgrade again with a large number of chicks in the spring.

[@Art-ot2jn]

Terrible steel uninsulated shed only good for summer

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I disagree! It is perfect for ventilation while keeping the wind out. It keeps the elements out. With our deep litter on the floor, it keeps the barn warm. Summer is the time when I worry about it. I need to keep fans moving the air to keep it from being too warm. Winter is perfect in the barn for the hens. We have hens that are cold weather tolerant. We feel our barn is perfect for keeping our hens safe, happy and protected. Cheers!

[@MyrtleBeachWebAngel]

A steel shed in the summer here, well the whole neighborhood would be getting a free roasted chicken (lol.) I'm not sure I'm a fan of any uninsulated metal, in hot or cold weather. The vast majority of homes are built out of wood & stone for a reason.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@MyrtleBeachWebAngel Our hens don't really have a shed. It's large and well ventilated. In the summer we have an extra fan to move air. It's perfect for protection from the elements (and predators) and air movement. I would never put hens in a small shed but I feel our barn is perfect (in all seasons). With the heat moving upward from the deep litter, it's warm in winter. In summer, it breathes well and the large door helps get rid of heat. We've never lost a hen over five years due to the barn.

[@londoncity1]

Very informative video, Rich! Chickens seem to do quite well in the cold. You and Holly stay safe.