Chicken walking in water

[Mihan]

I live in central/ northern Wisconsin and it has been quite warm the past three or four days. The snow on my roof finally fell off by itself, which I'm very happy about, but at the same time all the snow on the roof of the chicken coop run also melted and made a giant puddle. I scooped out most of the water and placed some straw on top. Was that a good idea? I did a Google search afterwards and Google seems to think it's worse than letting the chicken walk around in a puddle that is knee deep for them and drink from it.

The coop is dry btw. I thought about keeping them inside until the water goes away but it's surprisingly dark inside.

 

[jwcarlson]

You did what I would do in your situation. There are also those pine betting pellets that absorb a lot of water that might be an option. But the hay should work fine. I wouldn't lock them inside just because there's a bit of water there.
Over the years I've moved to runs that are covered and then I wrap them with plastic in the winter. Mostly to keep the snow out and to keep the run dry. Plus you get a little warmth in there during the day and keep the wind off of them too.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I would get some big wood chips like they sell for landscaping. That’s what I did in my old run to build it up so there was less standing water

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chunky wood chips would be preferable but your solution is fine for now. It may need to be removed later if mold becomes an issue, but otherwise it at least provides a drier surface for them to stand on.

 

[Mihan]

Thanks, I got some wood chips the next day and now it's more or less dry. Although it's snowing and below freezing again now so it's also possible water is frozen on the ground again.. Either way no more drinking from muddy puddles for my hens.

 

[Folly's place]

We've had two nice roosters with frozen toes, one had a completely frozen foot, because they got a foot wet in an open water dish in freezing weather. We lost both birds due to these injuries, and no longer use a 'dog bowl' type water dish in cold weather.
I'd be very careful about any open water if it's going to freeze. Glad you've managed this situation!
Mary

 

[Debbie292d]

We must live in about the same proximity of Wisconsin and the same thing happened here.

We just hauled over some logs and planks and made walkways over the water. It's just temporary until it freezes again. Like tonight.