Chickens in winter

[Meg-in-MT]

If they have enough room to run around, they'll be fine. Most of my old girls don't go outside much in the winter. Out to eat and drink and back in they go. My youngsters (1-4 yrs) go out much more, and the geese as well.

If behavior issues arise, you can add some distractions. But if it's too cramped, you'll probably end up with problems either way.

 

[MilburnCreek]

"Excuse me, human, we'd like to have a little talk with you about this cold wet stuff in our yard...."

 

[Eilsel]

Mine also dislike the snow. If I know it's coming I try to put down some scrap wood or plastic in the run so when it's done snowing I can pick it up and they have dry ground to walk around on to get out of the coop. Or if it has already snowed I'll lay down a few pieces of plywood so they can walk on it to go outside. It also seems like after a few days they get tired of being cooped up and finally bite the bullet and go out in the snow anyway.

 

[Bio cryo guy]

Yesterday we had about 3" of snow fall overnight. This was the first experience with snow for my 4 girls. I knew I wanted to introduce them to the strange new world as nicely as possible. I quickly and quietly shoveled some paths for them before I opened their door. Even with doing that, I opened the human door to an earful. I just clucked back to them like any other day. They looked out the big door, and Belle (white) quickly "tested the water." That was about it until I closed the big door. I called to them with my "time for treats" call, and they came out pretty quickly. It only took a few worms to convince them coming outside was a good idea. I think I'm very lucky! I'm also very happy, because winter here is quite long, and I'd hate for them to spend it all indoors. The only one missing in the pic is my RIR, Missy. She was busy in a nesting box when I took the photo.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I was looking forward to some snow, but I read through this thread from last winter and I got reminded of what's to come.

 

[CaptainSamH]

Really interesting thread...I was just wondering about this the other day as this will be our first winter with chickens free-ranging. Some helpful tips I will put to use when/if we get some snow here (fingers crossed). Thanks y'all!

 

[MiaS]

This will be my first winter with chickens. Living in the Alberta foothills we have some of the most variable weather around. If chickens aren't adaptable then they don't belong here.

So far we've had some pretty hefty, and unusual, snowfall but that was before I had my poultry netting so I didn't even bother trying...

This week alone we've had nearly 100km/hr winds (the kind that blows hay sheds right flat), a skiff of snow, some fabulously warm days (18°C/64F) and some seriously cold nights (-15°C/5F). Here in Calgary we can damned near have all of that in one day.

My cheeky-but-skittish Ameraucana pullet was the only one brave enough to step out into the barely snowy garden yesterday (this stuff above has already melted off). Just marched out there like it was nothing. Then she immediately freaked out because nobody followed her and went screaming back to their covered run! Made me laugh out loud Maybe she'll convince the others to follow her tomorrow.