Chickens + Snow + Ice = ??

[Lisa-Lu]

Are your chickens trained to go back in the coop on their own at night or do you have to herd/catch them and put them in? If they already go back in the coop on their own, then you have nothing to worry about.

Yes they already go back in the coop at night on their own, so that's good to know. I will bring their water in, and shovel/de-ice the run before I let them out that morning.

 

[Lisa-Lu]

A help to both you and the chickens might be in the form of tarps. If you can lay one over the top and possibly North/West sides, that will help a lot in keeping the snow out. Then you can leave feed and water out side and the chicks can come out to eat and drink out of the elements

Great idea! I think we could do this very easily.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Great idea! I think we could do this very easily.

Oh good! We have a roof planned for this summer, but in the mean time...I'm over shoveling snow .
Good luck to you and your girls!

 

[aart]

de-ice the run

Don't use any chemical or salt de-icers....if it's really slippery just spread some sand.
Get up most the snow then sprinkle a thin layer of pine shavings or straw or hay to help them get used to the snow.

 

[Lisa-Lu]

Oh, I didnt mean salt or chemicals, will be shoveling and spreading more pine shavings

 

[mixedbreeds]

I would try the tarps as mentioned for the top you can cry some heavy clear plastic sheeting rolls at Home Depot for the sides. I hate snow in the run especially if you get drifts like I do. I put the plastic sheeting around my run every year so I don’t need to worrie. I also put a plywood cover over most of it. I’m sure your chickens will be fine either way but the run will be much nicer and dry if you do some covering.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Your chickens will be fine. They go in the coop at night and it is secure. Chickens are not as delicate as you might think. Many of us have survived the polar vortex just recently with temps dipping as low as -55F in some areas. Our chickens are fine. Your chickens will be as well.

 

[Lisa-Lu]

Well, my ladies made it through just fine. I shoveled the snow out of their yard/run and spread new layer of wood chips before I let them out this morning and they were sure to let me know if I missed any spots! Supposed to warm up nice here in the next couple days so I am hoping spring is around the corner. Thanks for all the tips!