The deep freeze took its toll

[OrpingtonManiac]

Im sorry for your loss

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

That is really sad. I didnt realise being at the bottom of the pecking order meant a hen couldn't huddle for warmth! So will the next lowest hen be at risk?

She might have had other issues. I have her frozen and will do a gross necropsy when it’s a bit warmer (for my hands). Nobody else is ill so reproductive is my first thought.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

Wow! That's some serious coldness with a heater.

Poor Ebony! I am sorry for her and you.

Two frigid winters ago, I lost my Blue Cochin Bantam girl, Maxie, not because they pushed her away from the huddle but because they piled on top of my little one and smothered her in a nest box.

Also, sorry for poor Moon. I find it nearly impossible to get through a Midwest winter without some incidents of frostbite. One of my hens will likely have no comb left because the silly girl has been sticking her entire head into a waterer; her comb is all gray and ugly.

Hope the rest of your flock gets through winter in good shape.

Oh boy. She’s her own worst enemy. Hope she turns out ok.

 

[Sondraa]

Thank you. He’s in good spirits. He’ll lose the entire comb tho. I should change his name to cue ball.

Haha..

 

[Loving my girls]

That is really sad. I didnt realise being at the bottom of the pecking order meant a hen couldn't huddle for warmth! So will the next lowest hen be at risk?

I found that the second from bottom (Rose) is fine but frequently Aster isn’t included in the huddle.

 

[Sondraa]

What rung is Astor on the ladder? So interesting, isn't it?

 

[Loving my girls]

What rung is Astor on the ladder? So interesting, isn't it?

I have one very long perch, when it’s cold they huddle at one end but Astor is only aloud to join them if her sister, Rose, is at the end.
So sad, Astor is such a sweet little thing - she chirps rather than clucks despite being an adult. I love her to bits, she’s a Legbar