Cold weather is here...Do you let them outside in frigid temps?

[s6bee]

I keep my coop sheltered from the winds, but have left the door open for them to decide. In reality, it's not too bad for them but that may also depend on age, and breed.
My birds only were kept in when the temps hit 20 degrees. I shoveled an area for them once the snow came, and they usually went out for a few min. throughout the day. I made sure they had perch to sun bake and keep feet of the ground. No health issues and they were happier when given the choice. We had a time of 10 degree temps. last winter for about 4-5 days there were left in and I ended up with a huge messy fight between them. That was not fun!

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I open the doors so they can go out if they want, but usually they just stay inside.

 

[tinkarooni]

Ok, I just ran outside and opened the door, they all came out except for the one sitting on the nest box and she left me a nice warm egg and then went out. The heater is cold, it obviously is not cold enough in there for it to kick on, it is set for on at 35 degrees off at 45. Than I went inside the coop and left the chicken door open and checked for drafts or breeze whipping through. Really was OK. The run is breezy even though we built it behind a three year old little plum tree hoping for some wind block, but they can still go inside if they want to. Their little feather skirts are blowing in the breeze, It actually started to flurry when I was outside.

So I guess I will leave the heater off except for the coldest of nights and let them out if they choose to go out. If it was me I would be inside snuggled up in the hay taking a nap but then again I'm not a chicken, I just hang out with chickens.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

I agree with just about everybody's comments here. It's best to let the chickens decide for themselves, except in cases of extreme weather/wind.

Besides, when I suggested to my hubby that on really cold nights, the chickens should be allowed in the living room, my hubby suggested I spend some time in the coop...

 

[the1much]

the ONLY time i make mine go in,, is if its REALLY cold, and raining,, they'll stand in the rain for days if i let em.

 

[tinkarooni]

Quote:

So I guess that is clearly taking it too far with husbands....good to know.

 

[kwynn's birds Alaska]

Mrs. AK-Bird-Brain :

I covered my pop-door with a hanging towel, cuts the drafts and the birds can go in and out. You might have to stuff one or more through it to show them how, but after a while they'll get it.

haha...mine are getting the hang of it...at first they just stood outside the piece of cloth over the door, staring at it like i shut them out. I put some of the younger ones through it, and now they got it figured out

boy, has it been chilly!​

 

[chickenbike]

tinkarooni, it sounds like what you're doing is fine. One other thing, I use 2"x4"s for my roosts with the edges rounded off. This width keeps the entire foot underneath their body, therefore keeping their feet warm.

 

[Wildsky]

Yeah turn off the heater. open up and let them figure it out - they DO have that nice down covering.

Mine were out first thing this am on a frosty ground, drinking out of iced water containers, and picking around.
They were all very happy - we don't have wind today.

On windy days, they'll be in and out the coop all day long, they come out for short periods, then go back in the coop - back and forth all day.
They can figure it out.

 

[inesuea]

hi i am a new chicken raiser.... well i get the chickens in a week or so but i want to get all the info i can. should i put my chickens in the coop when the weather gets down to 30 to 40 degrees or what is the temp it needs to be to make them stay in the coop???