Anyone else's chickens afraid of snow.

[Roxyig]

We had some snow which I shovel a path for them to walk through the yard. Small path since they have an acre to roam but they like the path. Recently we got 6 inches of snow and now they aren't coming out of the run.

 

[KWynne]

My girls are uninterested lol. They stay in the coop. Cant even coax them with treats. If I put a little layer of straw out they will venture.

 

[PhillyDelcoChix]

our hens first snow scared them so much they wouldn’t leave their coop for the day. My husband and I were worried about them and kept putting food and water with them.
They next day the ventured just into the attached run because my husband shoveled a little path for them.
Now that they’ve regained the high ground, they’re not afraid anymore and sit and watch the flakes when they’re out.
But generally, just scaredy chickens about any new thing.

 

[mbailey78]

Perfect timing of this post for this picture, took it the other day. My birds don’t mind coming out in the snow as long as I shovel paths and it’s not too cold out. Most of them hang out in the greenhouse or in other covered areas once they come out of the run. But some like to see what the wild birds dropped from the feeder. For the days they don’t come out I have a covered run with plastic panels on the side (you can see it in the background of this pic). The first winter it took a few snow falls for them to get used to it.

 

[Mvan42]

Mine won't even come out of the coop when there is snow... I have a rir who if she gets into a spot with no snow and it's all around her. She won't move. We have to pick her up and put her in a mo snow area or in the coop.

 

[ajackalope]

Mine hate it. If there is just a little bit between them and clear ground they jump over it. If it's just light snow they will stay out in it. Just don't like it on their feet. To bad we're due for more tomorrow.

 

[HenneryTheEighth]

The first snow of the year was 24". I had to dig paths. The ladies came outside and complained for HOURS! "WHY is there SNOW, WHY is there SNOW, bawk bawk bawk!"
My rooster jumped into a drift and couldn't get out. I came outside to find three of his ladies surrounding him and keeping him warm. I picked him up to move him - and he seemed quite grateful. None of them go off the paths now unless the snow is less than two inches.
They still complain about fresh snow.
It's my fault, apparently.

 

[wolfinator]

Nope, quite a few of mine go out as it's snowing or raining. I guess they figure if the ducks can do it, so can they. They rest just prefer not to. My roosters are almost always out in the snow (4 of 5 in photo).

This is about 1/3 of my chickens and all my ducks.

 

[Hal682]

Today was the first significant snow we've had since we got our Buff Orpingtons last spring. They didn't even want to stay in the covered run for too long. Spent all morning in the coop. We had a lull in the storm this afternoon. I opened up the run door, to let them out, and they freaked out and ran into the coop. . My rooster pecked at the snow that blew into the run, but that's it. I guess the term "chicken" is justified. Does anyone have chickens that are scared of the snow?

Oh yes..mine won't come out in the snow. I learned that after first winter. I cover run and mostly just have to take the snow out. They then come out.. silly birds

 

[wf1992]

Nope, quite a few of mine go out as it's snowing or raining. I guess they figure if the ducks can do it, so can they. They rest just prefer not to. My roosters are almost always out in the snow (4 of 5 in photo).

This is about 1/3 of my chickens and all my ducks.
View attachment 2518607

See! Chickens like these are the reason I was so surprised mine would have none of it!

Although this year, my broody isn't as timid, and the littles follow her, and then the old chickens sometimes get shamed into it too. But they stick to the paths we have shoveled around the house, so mostly end up peering in the livingroom window, or hanging out (and pooping) on the front porch

Had more snow overnight, so I guess I'd better go clear the run for my delicate little flowers