water.....

[Trying2keepitReal]

apparently I didn't think this whole water in the winter thing all the way through--lol. First winter with chickens, outside well pump frozen today, is it ok for my chickens to drink our softened water or do DH and I need to figure out an alternative source? Seems like there is conflicting information out there. FDA says the trace amounts of salt in the water isn't significant to cause concern but then I read it can lead to soft eggs. If I can get through the winter then next year we can add heated watering system to the barn but that won't happen this year. Any suggestions, thoughts, advice is welcome

 

[Trying2keepitReal]

What were the breeds again? Sorry, forgot if you mentioned

Of chickens? Leghorn, Barred Rock, Brahma, and Polish-which the Polish where a cave for DD7-they are not as winter hardy nor do they really lay enough eggs to pull their weight but she fell in love with their 'rockstar' hair-dos

 

[FarmerJamie]

Of chickens? Leghorn, Barred Rock, Brahma, and Polish-which the Polish where a cave for DD7-they are not as winter hardy nor do they really lay enough eggs to pull their weight but she fell in love with their 'rockstar' hair-dos

I had Barred Rocks the entire time I had chickens. They handled the winter just fine. Did not have any of your other breeds. Had Golden buffs, two varieties of Wyandottes, and Rhode Island reds. All did fine

 

[Trying2keepitReal]

I don't know if polish are cunning like silkies. They figure out getting their heads wet slicks back their crest pretty quick. The overly large crests in silkies were introduced from polish being crossed in.

I was going to trim them up before it got too cold so their feathers on their crest didn't freeze.

 

[Hinotori]

It's a very good idea to trim crests so if they do wet it, they don't have a frozen head. Whole reason I don't let my idiots out when it's rainy.

 

[Trying2keepitReal]

Watch the feet on the Brahma if you get wet snow.

Wet snow will clump up on their toes because of those foot feathers.

You might need to clean feet every night.

If they sleep with toe ice balls it increases frost bite chance.

I am hoping snow won't get in the run, or too much anyway, as it is covered and the walls have plastic up to the top 4 inches ; but thanks for the reminder.

 

[flowerbug]

is there a way to enclose the well pump area and protect it from the cold?

 

[Trying2keepitReal]

is there a way to enclose the well pump area and protect it from the cold?

It might be possible. I will have to check with DH if we have any insulation left from the coop build. It would have go been about 4 ft tall so we will have to see what we have for lumber. I don't think DH wants to spend the $$ now for more wood. hmmmmm....now I gotta think

 

[flowerbug]

It might be possible. I will have to check with DH if we have any insulation left from the coop build. It would have go been about 4 ft tall so we will have to see what we have for lumber. I don't think DH wants to spend the $$ now for more wood. hmmmmm....now I gotta think

stacked bales of straw/hay?

oh, now i see you're pretty far north so perhaps this won't work well enough to be worth it.

 

[FarmerJamie]

During the coldest winter months, I used indoor water for my chickens with no issues for many years.

The spigot outside was not on the conditioner line. Did not use it Dec-Mar to prevent frozen pipe issues.