8/16/11

CHICKENS GET FOX-PROOF BLIZZARD DOORS

I heard about a book written in, I think, 1924 that claims chickens benefit as much from feathers for warmth as people do if we make coats out of their feathers.  


The book also claims chickens suffer more from moist, musty, deseased, pest-ridden enclosed chicken houses than from exposure to cold.  Hmmmm....who woulda thought, keeping chickens warm with a form-fitting feather coat.    The author, an MD, made extensive studies of commercial and research chicken operations in the northeastern states and concluded the best chicken house is not closed to keep them warm, but rather open on one side to keep their air fresh.  Cold fresh air over warm, dank air.  


However, my night vision videos disclosed we have a pair of foxes living on our property.  They would love an open front chicken buffet.







However, the book's author admitted that on the most bitterly cold blizzards it is ok to enclose the chicken house.  We also respect that chickens are just plain happier and more productive when not laying eggs pre-frozen.