Chickens in winter

[Jsdnxtr]

this is my second winter with my 4 chickens. However this is my first winter we have had significant snowfall. My chickens clearly don’t like the snow. Even though no snow is in their run. They are not coming out of the coop. I placed water and food in the coop. And put a light source in the coop. Safely of course. Should I be worried or is it normal for them to stay in the coop?

 

[Chickenlover720]

I think that if you are checking on them regularly and they seem to be behaving normally otherwise, I wouldn't be too worried about it. Do make sure that the coop is clean and has plenty of ventilation since they are staying in there so much.

 

[DobieLover]

this is my second winter with my 4 chickens. However this is my first winter we have had significant snowfall. My chickens clearly don’t like the snow. Even though no snow is in their run. They are not coming out of the coop. I placed water and food in the coop. And put a light source in the coop. Safely of course. Should I be worried or is it normal for them to stay in the coop?

Normal.
Is your run covered and protected from wind? If so they will generally stay out in the run even if it's snowing.

 

[HuskerHens18]

In 6 years, my chickens have never stepped foot in snow. I think it's pretty normal. I just have to watch for fighting, my chickens are always free ranged so the sudden confinement can cause a few fights.

 

[DobieLover]

In 6 years, my chickens have never stepped foot in snow. I think it's pretty normal. I just have to watch for fighting, my chickens are always free ranged so the sudden confinement can cause a few fights.

9.5 months old...

 

[FlyWheel]

If the cold came on rather suddenly they might not have been prepared for it and don't have enough down yet. Hey, If it's too cold outside you would stay indoors too, wouldn't you?

 

[PirateGirl]

Chickens are, well, chicken when it comes to snow. They often choose to spend more time in the coop. They can learn that it doesn't have to be so scary. You said there's not snow in the run. Can they see this from a window? I find that if I clear the snow from the ground (or spread straw there) that the chickens see from their window, so they now see some familiar dirt, they will come out to see what's going on, but if all they can see from their window is snow, they hide inside until they get hungry enough to be brave.

 

[PirateGirl]

Also, once they come out, they tend to stay out for awhile and will scratch around and walk on the snow... it's just that initial leap of faith off the ramp that takes some courage

 

[HuskerHens18]

9.5 months old...

View attachment 1671228 View attachment 1671229

That's cool
Mine have near panic attacks when theres snow, they're deathly afraid of it

 

[DobieLover]

Chickens are, well, chicken when it comes to snow. They often choose to spend more time in the coop. They can learn that it doesn't have to be so scary. You said there's not snow in the run. Can they see this from a window? I find that if I clear the snow from the ground (or spread straw there) that the chickens see from their window, so they now see some familiar dirt, they will come out to see what's going on, but if all they can see from their window is snow, they hide inside until they get hungry enough to be brave.

I guess mine are either brave or retarded. See post #5...