Love the flame thrower idea but I guess i would end up with prematurely barbecued chicken.
Winter has certainly arrived here.
First real snow fall on the night of Friday before last (26th). Snow was not so much a problem as the plummeting temperatures.
Minus 5-6C on Friday night and down to Minus 13-15C Tuesday night. It was a bit chilly!
Further up the moors from us the temp was down another 2C. Some places had record lows since recording began! A good start to the Winter!!
Funny to watch the birds' reactions. The older hens just took it in their stride. Some of them went through last Winter which was almost as cold and they are old hands at coping.
The Scotties are coming around to the snow today but only gradually - it is their first snow and their first Winter. I got a good relationship bonded with the cock bird - our Rabbie - as he flew off the snow on to the high fence and seemed a bit nervous of getting down. He accepted a gentle lift and a cuddle in the process. I'm sure his pride was dented a little but he'll live with it.
The Norfolks don't want to know at all. They stay in their house and occasionally sortie but not for long. It's their first Winter too and they are the more nervous of the breeds. They scattered into the run for a minute or two when I went in to clean their roost but were soon back.
Am currently giving the pure breeds their corn on the house litter - at least they are able to get it and they are turning the litter over in the process, saving me a job.
WAter is the obvious problem. It needs checking every few hours as the temp does does rise much above freezing, if at all. Things are getting today. the outside tap is now usable again.
Am also 'spoiling' them a bit with a fair bit of broken maize (corn) amongst their pellets and their mixed corn - should help keep them warm and don't think they'll put on much fat in this weather.
We had snow blizzards predicted for last Tuesday. It didn't seem possible as - although it is bitterly cold, ranging from 0C to -5C, depending where you are - the sun was shining and it is a truly beautiful Winter's day. We will have to wait and see.
Clara the hybrid who spent a couple of weeks in 'hospital' to give her a chance to get her plumage back on her neck and head is back with the rest - and it bald again despite being sprayed with anti-peck. But she seems happy enough and seems to hold her own.
Other than that, the little flocks seem to be be doing OK. Some signs of inevitable colds but less since teh temps plummeted. they are all chirpy and and active so let's hope they get through what has started off as a pretty heavy Winter.
As for me, the long johns went on last week and they will probably be on now until late April!!
Best wishes to you all as you wrap you and yours up for the Winter.
