blizzard, how to keep hens safe/ happy?

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Leah S

Leah S

Chirping
8 Years
Jun 13, 2011
122
0
96
Good morning!
here in Mass. we are preparing for a blizzard. Wondering what extra steps I should consider doing for the girls. They seem to dislike the snow and a bit worried they will be inside for several days. I have extra bedding, lots of food, and clean water. the kids are planning on making a "toy" for them (a hanging apple covered in peanut butter, rolled in scratch). Is there anything else to think about?
first winter storm with the girls!
thanks
Leah S
 
We're in the same boat here in the hudson valley. I'm going to try hanging a head of cabbage in our henhaus (like your toy idea), and when it stops snowing on Saturday or Sunday, I'll spread some hay on the ground outside to encourage them to get their fluffy butts out.

We've had a couple of 8" snow events so far this year, and they've been fine inside for a day or two, but nothing like this nor'easter we're all about to get spanked with.
 
I'm in MA as well and I plan to cover their run with a tarp and wrap the sides in contractor plastic so the snow doesn't get into the run and they can still get out and have more space. I gave them a big bowl of BOSS and I plan to give them a bunch of dried mealworms tonight when I lock them down so they will have the surprise tomorrow when they get up. If it's not too bad in the morning I will get out there and give them some warm oatmeal to keep them warm and happy. I like the toy idea I might try a few of those as well. I have 25 chickens.
 
Last edited:
audrey02026 said:
I'm in MA as well and I plan to cover their run with a tarp and wrap the sides in contractor plastic so the snow doesn't get into the run and they can still get out and have more space.  I gave them a big bowl of BOSS and I plan to give them a bunch of dried mealworms tonight when I lock them down so they will have the surprise tomorrow when they get up.  If it's not too bad in the morning I will get out there and give them some warm oatmeal to keep them warm and happy.  I like the toy idea I might try a few of those as well.  I have 25 chickens.
Click to expand...

Good idea on the BOSS, mealworms and oatmeal.
 
If you tarp the roof of the run beware of the snow load. I have a nearly flat poly carb roof over part of my run. Most of the time the snow blows off. Every one and a while it just lays up there and I have to sweep it.
 
My husband was just saying the same thing. I think we will only put the tarp over half of it and I'll have to keep checking on it. Thanks!!!
 
super ideas! hard to believe that we finally getting a storm, it's lovely out there. just stocking the girls' food, bedding and scratch. they have no idea what tomorrow will bring! like I said before, they really dislike the snow.
getting the tarp out of the basement later and get that set up!
 
I give my girls scratch everyday then they spend the day poking around there litter in the coop. I live in AK and much of the year is icky weather like you are experiencing, they will be ok. I do have a portion of my run covered and that is the only part they will go into.
 
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We do not let our chickens out when it is snowing or colder than 0°F . People wonder why their chickens have frostbite when they let them out when it is cold, snowing and windy. Keep your chickens in when it is storming or just plain cold. They will live. Feed and water in the coop. I would make sure they have plenty of food as they eat more when it is cold out. Adding a chicken feed block or other fun food helps to keep them busy.
 

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