Cold weather

[Bmeadows]

We have mostly cold hardy hens. It is 2F outside and 30F in their coop. They won’t lay eggs inside. They won’t stay inside. They tromping around in the walkways we shoveled. Is this normal for chickens to want to be out in the cold cold outdoors?

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

Some don't mind the snow. Mine won't go out in the winter unless I throw down hay or shavings for them to walk on. Even then, it's for three minutes and they're back in the coop.

Prolonged exposure to the snow and cold can lead to frostbite so do a visual inspection and remove any snow build up on feathers.

 

[Bmeadows]

Some don't mind the snow. Mine won't go out in the winter unless I throw down hay or shavings for them to walk on. Even then, it's for three minutes and they're back in the coop.

Prolonged exposure to the snow and cold can lead to frostbite so do a visual inspection and remove any snow build up on feathers.

Thanks , my daughters check for ice and snow several times a a day, especially our marans with feathered feet. My older ones refuse to go inside to where it’s warmer . The 4minth old ones will only peek head outside for a quick second . It’s strange to see them liking the snow and they seem to play in it with each other. A lot of people around here have chickens and theirs stay inside. We been watching for frostbite on their combs and maybe we have to lock them inside here next few days. Gonna get a high of 14F and 18” snow coming Monday

 

[jreardon1918]

Thanks , my daughters check for ice and snow several times a a day, especially our marans with feathered feet. My older ones refuse to go inside to where it’s warmer . The 4minth old ones will only peek head outside for a quick second . It’s strange to see them liking the snow and they seem to play in it with each other. A lot of people around here have chickens and theirs stay inside. We been watching for frostbite on their combs and maybe we have to lock them inside here next few days. Gonna get a high of 14F and 18” snow coming Monday

Can you tell us you general location. We are in SE Mass. It got down to 2F early this morning. Same temperature in the coop and outside. No heat. The humidity also was the same in and out of the coopy. Do you heat the coop? We do not. Is it possible the chickens prefer outside due to conditions in the coop?

 

[Bmeadows]

Can you tell us you general location. We are in SE Mass. It got down to 2F early this morning. Same temperature in the coop and outside. No heat. The humidity also was the same in and out of the coopy. Do you heat the coop? We do not. Is it possible the chickens prefer outside due to conditions in the coop?

Central PA. No heating the coop, that creates too much moisture. The inside is 6” deep straw, clean and no drafts, just cross ventilation and with 40’ linear feet of roosting bars and some ladders and hanging treats. I honestly think they like the snow. They run and jump and eat it. I put them in the coop. The come right back out before I can close their door

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

I live in northern VT and will never have feather-footed birds again. It's just too much extra work for our seasons. Our winters are long and our springs are just wet and muddy so 8 months out of the year, their feet are gnarly.

But anyway, it sounds like you feathered friends just enjoy the snow and your kids are keeping an eye out for injuries so enjoy the crazy snow chicken antics.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I took this photo when it was 4F (-16 C). Yes, that is ice. I leave the pop door open and let them decide if they want to come out or stay in. If a cold wind is blowing they stay in. If they can get out of the wind, they prefer to be out.

When mine wake up to a white world they don't like it. Chickens generally don't like change. But within a couple of days some (not all) are out roaming in it. I think it helps if there is something they can forage outside. The day I took this one the snow did not start until they were already out. They never bothered going in.

People tend to put their feelings and desires on their animals. My wife does that to our dogs all the time. The dogs clearly show where they want to be and she says "Oh, they must be miserable". They have options, they show where they want to be.

Just like the wild birds that overwinter where you are the chickens can manage some pretty cold temperatures and conditions. Some want to, some don't. I figure they know where they want to be a lot better than I do so I give them the option and let them decide.

 

[Bmeadows]

I live in northern VT and will never have feather-footed birds again. It's just too much extra work for our seasons. Our winters are long and our springs are just wet and muddy so 8 months out of the year, their feet are gnarly.

But anyway, it sounds like you feathered friends just enjoy the snow and your kids are keeping an eye out for injuries so enjoy the crazy snow chicken antics.

We have noticed the marans need more looking after, we have 6 different marans and once they are gone I agree with you, we won’t be getting more feathered feet birds

 

[Happy hen lover]

Mine hate snow, they can't stand to walk on it! If I can scoop a walkway they hang out outside. They don't mind cold unless it's wet or windy. My temps have gotten down to -4 F.