Chickens who HATE snow?

[gardenmuse]

I can relate. We moved to Asheville NC in July, brought a small flock of young chickens with us from Savannah Ga. It was a rainy cold summer, then the first snow hit before Thanksgiving- they wouldn't budge from the coop. we've now had about 4 snow storms, this past week being the worst. They'll come out for very short periods, go to the wood shed or shop- both have dirt floors and hang out there, then go back to the coop after a couple of hours. I just thought it was because they were from the deep south- now I see you all experiencing about the same thing. I wouldn't want to go out barefoot in the snow if I were them either!! can you see them standing in the doorway? we made a platform for them outside the door so they could get some sun!

 

[bantambury]

I can relate. We moved to Asheville NC in July, brought a small flock of young chickens with us from Savannah Ga. It was a rainy cold summer, then the first snow hit before Thanksgiving- they wouldn't budge from the coop. we've now had about 4 snow storms, this past week being the worst. They'll come out for very short periods, go to the wood shed or shop- both have dirt floors and hang out there, then go back to the coop after a couple of hours. I just thought it was because they were from the deep south- now I see you all experiencing about the same thing. I wouldn't want to go out barefoot in the snow if I were them either!! can you see them standing in the doorway? we made a platform for them outside the door so they could get some sun!

TOO cute!

 

[mejsmom1]

I put out a tarp before the snow because my 8 chickens hated the first dusting. Once the weatherman said the snow was done I shoveled it off, folded back the tarp and the girls can run around the bare spot. When the snow comes we put the tarp back and have kept this are clear all winter. They have eaten the area about bare even though it doesn't look like there is anything worth eating. It has been a lot of work because even in KY it keeps snowing! They have been free ranging since they were about two months old so they have really enjoyed getting out of their coop/run.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

I put out a tarp before the snow because my 8 chickens hated the first dusting. Once the weatherman said the snow was done I shoveled it off, folded back the tarp and the girls can run around the bare spot. When the snow comes we put the tarp back and have kept this are clear all winter. They have eaten the area about bare even though it doesn't look like there is anything worth eating. It has been a lot of work because even in KY it keeps snowing! They have been free ranging since they were about two months old so they have really enjoyed getting out of their coop/run.

What a great idea with the tarp and keeping a space open. Good thinking!

I can relate. We moved to Asheville NC in July, brought a small flock of young chickens with us from Savannah Ga. It was a rainy cold summer, then the first snow hit before Thanksgiving- they wouldn't budge from the coop. we've now had about 4 snow storms, this past week being the worst. They'll come out for very short periods, go to the wood shed or shop- both have dirt floors and hang out there, then go back to the coop after a couple of hours. I just thought it was because they were from the deep south- now I see you all experiencing about the same thing. I wouldn't want to go out barefoot in the snow if I were them either!! can you see them standing in the doorway? we made a platform for them outside the door so they could get some sun!

I love the charm of this coop! Boy is looks cozy too!

 

[ozarkchicks]

My hens hate the snow but recently they have had to get used to it. There's a tree right outside their coop that they love to fly up and sit in. They sit there for hours just looking around. Buffy the Buff Orpington, Stretch the black sex link and Lil Red the cherry egger

 

[Bogtown Chick]

What a great picture of them in that tree! I just love it.

 

[Catfish267]

Mine eat the snow off of my boots when I walk in the coop!

 

[GAIL328]

At least they're getting out. Mine eat snow too.

 

[Melinda48]

I like that idea! our girls do not like snow either! We took to putting their water in the coop and then just make sure t hey had treats outside "just in case." Next winter we will make them little sidewalks - that might get them out.

 

[ozarkchicks]

That's so cute that they eat snow! Mine have to have shoveled paths to do anything but sit in their tree