Problems with young chooks

[its hilly]

My RIR, Cochins and White Leghorn are now 15/16 weeks old. They've been allowed out with the big ones now for about 2 weeks (free range) from around 8.30am and they put themselves to bed at 3.30/4 pm. They get fed seperately to make sure they do get a fair share.
Its been dry and sunny but cold, around 8/10c, and they've been fine. But at weekend the temp dropped to around 2/4c but with a steady wind which makes it feel colder. On Monday night I had one RIR who looked miserable, hunched up and droopy wings, but eating ok. On Tuesday he looked the same, but still dived in and ate well, but last night when I went to lock up he was dead in the back of the loosebox. This morning the leghorn and RIR hen looked the same. It was bitter and very icy wind so after a bit of thought I let them out for an hour, then shut them all back in with extra grub. And they seem brighter tonight.
Do you think its just the cold and wind is too much? They're fully feathered but not as thick as the big guys, and the cochins who are really fluffy dont seem at all bothered. There have been a sneeze or two around the place, but they're getting extra grub and cider vinigar in the water. And the biggies are full of zoom, even when they've had a sneeze.

[Eco-Chic]

Ah poor lil feller.
I'm too new to this to be of any help Hilly plus its milder here and more protected.

Shall see what my laydees make of the snow in the morning.

[matthew2riches]

It could be something to do with the wind. They don't mind the cold. I am guessing that by them dropping their wings, it is a sign that they're trying to fend off the breeze?

Bramble will know :-)

[its hilly]

plus its milder here and more protected

Eco how can you say that? You've got snow down South, we haven't

It could be something to do with the wind

M2R you could have hit the nail on the head. They were all much brighter last night after being in all day. Thank goodness. But the wind blows horizontal round there and even I was frozen after an hour. Even the biggies were trying to keep out of it this morning, and I'm not sure the youngsters have learned the sense to go in and snuggle when they're cold yet. Left them in again today so we'll see tonight.

[matthew2riches]

I think that's why mine have been in all day today. I must remember to close the door tonight...

[its hilly]

Either that or they dont like cold feet matthew
Have four clever little so'n'sos who can fly over the roof trusses in the barn and greet me at the gate in the morning. Today there was just one cream legbar cockeral...and he was literally hopping from foot to foot, shaking the picked up one to warm it

[Eco-Chic]

Eco how can you say that? You've got snow down South, we haven't

I think it's generally a couple of degrees warmer when it snows. My little garden is protected by a wall, fences, trees etc so isn't battered by freezing winds. Snow thawed from ground although still laying on plants and junk not yet tidied away. I don't think the chooks even noticed it.

Just given my girls hot layers pellets mashed with poultry spice, raisins and corn. It looked like that sort of horrible base coat that goes under plaster finish but they loved it. They really were saying mnmm yum mnn yum

They're all lovely and warm and I've left their pop hole partially open as I always have to date.

[matthew2riches]

"that sort of horrible base coat that goes under plaster finish"

is call render

[Bramble-Poultry]

chicks dont like the wind at all. i out bubble wrap around the exposed edges of the pens if its going to be really windy. You might find (as we did with some growers a while back) that when you let them out, they have enough body fat and reserves to carry on life at the temp they are used to. Soon as they hit cold and wind they burn even more energy, but if the uptake doesnt correspond then they will lose the battle.

Dont tell DEFRA, but when its really cold we make up the traditional "blue peter" bird cake with high oil seeds such as hemp, hulled sunflower etc and mix them into cakes with melted Pura (solid veg oil) let it cool and put it out for an energy boost. i wouldnt give it to the layers as it will probably make the eggs taste funny but the growers usre appreciate it

do noy use lard as thats a definate no no

[its hilly]

Dont tell DEFRA

DEFRA? who's DEFRA
Whats a layer? They're all turning bright red so its either windburn or some of them might start laying soon..that would be nice, I have to BUY eggs, which is ridiculous with the number I've got..just that my girlies are only now 20 weeks ish. Should have bought some older hens instead of babies and hatching my own. Sill its such fun watching them grow.
Well the youngsters are still seperate at the mo, so I can stick extra grub in without big greedy beaks swiping it. They're still happy tonight so does seem the cold wind is te problem, must admit they're only scrawney yet, so yes not enough bodyfat. Oh well..thanks folks, another lesson learned, just glad I did shut them in despite the sulks. And I'd already covred the weldmesh top door with clear plastic to keep the wind and rain from blowing in so nice and snug (if you can call a loosebox snug when its this cold).
hmm..adds pura to shopping list