Cat flap for the chickens

[Graham K]

Has anyone tried using a cat flap on their pop hole? My three have the door open 24/7 and don't seem to mind but with the weather getting ever colder I'm a bit concerned about them getting too cold.

I know they are pretty smart but smart enough to push through a cat flap?

Any comments welcome.

Graham.

[Two_Sheds]

I'm a bit concerned about them getting too cold.

They have their own down-filled duvet built in

[Mell]

The more commmon ap;proch is strips of carpet overlapping

[lettucegrow!]

I think that's quite a good idea. I've been thinking the same whilst it's been really cold. Need to work something out as I have cut a hole in the side panel of their shed coop and it doesn't have a door as such. May go with the carpet strip idea though as it will be cheaper.

[Mell]

Start with one strip then build it upover time & as they get used to it,it is an easier train than a cat flap would be,not sure I've ever heard of a cat flap working & I think carpet or the thick flaps you seein warehouses are better insulation anyhow..

On poutry getting cold, on the coldest nights so far my ducks put themselves away which is not a common occurance ! Thegeese don't seem as bothered but less surfave area to volume for them

[Graham K]

Just to confuse things on the "getting too cold" front, one of them is now in full molt, feathers everywhere. the real deal. And I thought they where "smarter" than the average bird!

[Two_Sheds]

Just to confuse things on the "getting too cold" front, one of them is now in full molt, feathers everywhere. the real deal. And I thought they where "smarter" than the average bird!

Stoopid birds. I guess because they evolved in warmer climes (Asia) they still aren't used to moulting in our summer. Ducks & geese come from much colder places.
My parrots are moulting now too: they always moult when the season's change

[Mell]

Just to confuse things on the "getting too cold" front, one of them is now in full molt, feathers everywhere. the real deal. And I thought they where "smarter" than the average bird!

Maybe moulding into a warmer coat (or trying to !) Knit a coat for them like the exbattery chicken rehomers do ?

[Suechooks]

Just to confuse things on the "getting too cold" front, one of them is now in full molt, feathers everywhere. the real deal. And I thought they where "smarter" than the average bird!

I've got 2 at that stage -they're looking like ex-batts! To make things worse they seem to be sent to the bottom of the pecking order when they're like that and really they need first pick of the food. It doesn't seem to matter how many feeders and bowls I put down they still get chased away. Poor little souls!

[SuzyB]

One of mine is like that Sue, my Skyline is moulting. Daft bird.

Problem is, she's bottom of the older girls order so they dont let her roost with them, but is higher up the order than the two youngsters - but because she picks on them, they dont like her sitting with them either so she roosts on her own. Silly girl could keep a bit warmer at night if she was nicer to the littlies!

[Graham K]

"Knit, a coat, me!" Oh boy we have been on the funny juice a bit early in the season.

No I can't, but I know a few who can, I've tried a search for a link or a "patten" but no luck, anyone know where I can find some details about "a coat" for the un-feathered one?

Graham.

[Mell]

"Knit, a coat, me!" Oh boy we have been on the funny juice a bit early in the season.

No I can't, but I know a few who can, I've tried a search for a link or a "patten" but no luck, anyone know where I can find some details about "a coat" for the un-feathered one?

Graham.

Help us make hen jumpers!

that's a link to knitted and fleece jackets

[Graham K]

Thanks Mell,

All I need to know. Just don't tell anyone I've been making jumpers for chickens!

[Mell]

Thanks Mell,

All I need to know. Just don't tell anyone I've been making jumpers for chickens!

lol, I make coats for my goats and peoplke laugh at me but it keeps them well (Angoras so need a shear twice a year which always puts it in cold weather !) They both have 3 each one at the moment it is sooo cold wish they would get their fleece growing !

[Polly Fouracre]

Has anyone tried using a cat flap on their pop hole? My three have the door open 24/7 and don't seem to mind but with the weather getting ever colder I'm a bit concerned about them getting too cold.

I know they are pretty smart but smart enough to push through a cat flap?

Any comments welcome.

Graham.

What a good idea! If you had the one that only lets the cat in and not out would that foil foxes would you think?