The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club > Housing, Health & Hatching

Heating for the winter

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Mike Gilbert:
Make sure the waterers are situated or positioned where they can't possibly get their feet in the water.   That is about the only thing you need to worry about with this breed, and a few others like Chanteclers.  Keep feed in front of them at all times, make sure they can drink at least twice a day, keep them dry and out of the wind and strong drafts.   Think about the wild birds that live out doors.   The creator made them with potential adverse conditions in mind.  A little scratch or corn in the evening when it is cold helps generate body heat throughout the night.   I have no advice for birds with large single combs, or rose combs with long leaders that don't follow the contour of the head - except switch to other breeds - unless you have insulated and/or heated facilities.   

DeWayne Edgin:
Mike is it true that if a roosters comb freezes, he can become steril? I heard this before but im not even sure how you tell if their comb was froozen or not. Thanks.

Mike Gilbert:
Frozen combs will turn dark, then almost black, and the extremities will eventually fall off.   I think frozen wattles will cause temporary sterility, but have no hard evidence to prove it.   Likely when the bird is in some pain he loses interest in mating. 

DeWayne Edgin:
Thanks Mike. I also heard it can work in reverse to! If a bird was steril and his comb froze, it can help him be fertile again. O well i was just curious but i wont keep and waste feed on a bird that wont reproduce anyway.

Birdcrazy:
I also had heard that if a birds comb froze and parts fell off that they would become sterile. I always questioned that because in Old English Bantams they dub the combs, ear lobes and wattles and they continue to reproduce.

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