Chickens covered in snow in coop! Will they be ok??

[littlecoopnextdoor]

I locked my girls in the coop today with moistened food and snack because it's a crazy blizzard and the winds are nuts. most of the ventilation is covered for winter winds but today it's blowing from the opposite direction and when I just checked on them, there is snow inside their coop! I went and grabbed cardboard baffle (like waffles, not airtight) to quickly staple and cover up other open areas along the roofline but I cannot reach the main ventilation point without a ladder and the winds and snow are insane. will my girls be ok tonight? This morning before it was the storm I added more bedding in there in hopes they'll snuggle down instead of roost. Is this realistic? their roost has snow on it. this storm is not supposed to let up until tomorrow afternoon. the sun sets in about half an hour so I'll check on them again- should I throw a towel in there for extra warmth or trust they'll dig down instead of roost?

 

[AnnPann]

can you staple something on the inside to catch the snow before it lands on them? i thought my hens would nest in the bedding but some of them insisted on roosting despite it being -7.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

can you staple something on the inside to catch the snow before it lands on them? i thought my hens would nest in the bedding but some of them insisted on roosting despite it being -7.

I can't reach from on the inside either, it's hard to explain but the highest point is pretty hard to get to from the inside small doors. Maybe I can try and staple a towel as high as I can reach tho! And yes they are used to the cold, but I am worried more about the snow on their skin.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

okay - I just checked on them before sunset and I think they are going to be okay. phew! I scraped off the snow inside and. brushed them off, and there is no more snow coming in from the further blocking I did. it's not drafty at all now with the wind. phew! fingers crossed they'll be okay come morning. I have to figure out how to clear out their run, it's covered in about 25 cm of snow

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

Updates. The storm is still raging. The chickens are okay (no frostbite) but definitely more snow got in their coop. I gave them some moistened food until I can figure out a water situation, and they're still locked in. Their run is a bit bashed - all the vinyl ripped off the walls and it's now full of almost 3 ft of snow, but overall no damage to the roof. I have no idea how I am going to get it out or if they'll even go in it!? henhouse was completely covered with snow when I got there this morning, it was wild.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

update: we are supposed to get another 30cm and all roads are still closed!

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

Update: the snow squall is still directly on top of us, and snow drifts are now up to my shoulders in the backyard. I have no idea how long it will take to dig out the run once the snow stops. the girls are still okay in the coop, the snow is coming in just one side so they're sticking to the other side in deep litter thankfully. I'm going out ever few hours to bring mashed food/water and check on them. this is the worst storm since 1978 everyone says.

 

[aart]

Their run is a bit bashed - all the vinyl ripped off the walls and it's now full of almost 3 ft of snow,

BUMMER!

Where in this world are you located?
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[littlecoopnextdoor]

BUMMER!

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3357834

I'm in south-eastern ontario! this is storm like we've Never seen before.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

Update, this is inside their covered run Edited to add, don't worry they are not in this run until I figure out how to empty it of snow! locked up safe in their coop.