Chickens first winter....

[ch1ckenmama]

Yesterday we keep the chickens in the coop because of a big snow storm we got. Today is fine but we got ALOT of snow. Is there anything I should do before they go out into the snow? It is their first winter. Should I shovel the snow in the run or leave it so they learn?

Thanks!

 

[chickens really]

Yes, shovel paths in the snow.......They will either come out or stay in.....They will figure it out.....



Cheers!

 

[ch1ckenmama]

@chickensreally I opened their coop. Two came out and went right back in...Lol! I did shovel some areas for them. Left it open because I figured they would figure it out like you said. Thanks!!

 

[bigburd1979]

We got a lot of snow also but now we are to get really cold weather. It's suppose to be -3 at night at only 10 during he days should we turn the heat lamp on inside the coop for them or leave them be?

 

[tinakevin]

When the temps get that cold here I will put a 100 watt red lamp in the coop just to take the chill out. But if it's in the 20s or higher I shut it off. As far as the snow. When we get snow I will open the door to the fenced in area off of the run and give them the choice to go out but mostly they just get to the edge of the snow and eat it

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It can help to shovel the snow than put hay or bedding down on top of the snow. Most chickens don't like walking on snow.

 

[Mrs. K]

I do not ever add heat, a lot of times, people trying to keep the heat in, seal up the coop. Don't do that, ventilation gets out moisture, and dry hens are warm hens. When it gets cold, they need more ventilation not less!

As for snow, if I know a storm is coming, I make mini hay stacks, then the next day, after the snow, I flip the bedding on top of the snow. Snow is new and strange to chickens, and will often stay inside just looking out, but when you flip the bedding they are out and about pretty quickly.

Mrs K

 

[ch1ckenmama]

@Mrsk @oldhenlikesdogs @tinakevin @bigbig1979 Thanks for the advice! I shoveled some areas in their run for them. Opened the coop up, 2 hens came out for a second and back in. Then they all took turns looking outside. Lol! Left the coop open but no one adventured out yet. Not even the rooster.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Many of mine haven't gone out this year yet. They seem less adventurous this year, and my bantams need to be chased out most years. I always give them the choice. Winter came on abruptly this year and threw them off.

 

[ch1ckenmama]

@oldhenlikesdogs They are so funny. They still want nothing to do with snow. Lol! We did go from no snow to over 12 inches in less then 24 hours. I figure they will come out eventually.