Hello, Vintage Virtues Homesteading Friends,

With cold weather sweeping across most of the United States, it’s essential to prepare for the plummeting temperatures, especially as the Southeast, typically known for its milder climate, anticipates lows of 24 degrees and rain. This rapid and dramatic change in temperature can pose significant challenges for various elements of homesteading such as plants, pets, and pipes.

Weather Report for Southeast U.S. (Source: WeatherSource):

• Monday: Low of 28°F, chance of rain
• Tuesday: Low of 26°F, partly cloudy
• Wednesday: Low of 24°F, chance of snow
• Thursday: Low of 27°F, mostly sunny
• Friday: Low of 25°F, chance of rain and snow

Protecting Chickens in Cold Weather

Chickens are highly susceptible to temperatures below 32 degrees, especially if they are acclimated to warmer conditions in the Southeast. To protect them, it’s crucial to take several steps to ensure their well-being during cold snaps.

• Prepping the Coop: Prepare the coop to minimize moisture and air exposure. Make sure there are no drafts and consider insulating the coop if necessary. This will help maintain a suitable temperature for the chickens. Coop flooring can be insulated with materials such as pine and hay. If you are unable to adequately prep the coop, you may consider bringing your flock indoors.
• Provide Radiant Heat: Consider the use of radiant heat, such as brooder plate, to keep the coop warm. This can be achieved using safe heating elements designed for poultry coops.
• Monitoring Temperature: Regularly monitor the temperature within the coop using suitable thermometers. This will help ensure that the environment remains within a safe range for the chickens.
• Adjust Feed Intake: Be prepared to increase the chickens’ feed intake by up to 25% during cold snaps. This extra nourishment will help them cope with the cold weather. Be sure to top off food and water containers.

It’s important to remember that these measures are essential for the well-being of chickens during cold weather. Consider consulting a veterinarian or poultry expert if more assistance is required, specially tailored to your flock’s needs (Source: The Poultry Site – “Protecting Poultry from the Cold”)

In addition to safeguarding your chickens, it’s important to protect your plants and pipes. Utilize sheets to cover fruit trees and consider bringing potted plants indoors to shield them from the harsh conditions. Covering your pipes will also prevent freezing and potential bursting, saving you from unnecessary trouble during the cold spell.

Remember, thorough preparation is the key to ensuring the well-being of your homestead during this challenging weather. Stay warm and keep your homestead thriving. I’ve embedded a video below of our experience in preparing our little homestead. I hope you’ll find it helpful.