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First time in the snow, what a hoot!

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by moenmitz, Nov 22, 2008.

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  1. Nov 22, 2008 #1
    moenmitz

    moenmitz Songster

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    My poor chickies! Today we got our first real snowfall- a good two inches was on the ground by the time I turned them outside to play. It was a decent day, low 30's and no wind, some sunshine, so I figured they would be fine. The temperatures were not an issue. BUT, the mad dash for the door ended in a screeching, sliding, pile up of feathered butts when they saw that freaky white stuff on the ground. It was like a cartoon, every one of them hitting the brakes, and the ones behind them slamming into them and knocking them out the door where they instantly panicked upon contact with the snow and frantically flapped, hopped and hurtled themselves to the nearest rock, stick or tree where they could examine this mysterious peril from safety. Eventually, most of them ventured out after an hour or so and were happily digging through it, but a few flat out refused to move from their perches until bedtime, just stared resentfully at the snow, willing it to move first I think. It was SO funny to watch. The ducks could have cared less, dont think tehy even noticed it, so focused they were on getting to their pond to take a bath. The turkey poults (who are actually probably 12 weeks now) were not impressed and squatted as close to their barn as they could, waiting for the exile to end. Our big turkey hen though, who is, I think 8 months, seemed to enjoy the snow. She stretched out on her belly, layed her head on the ground and stayed there. Worried us a bit, we thought she was sick at first, but then we would see her hop up and prance around as usual, then later resume her belly cooling. I think she is fine, just was maybe enjoying the new sensation of a cold belly or something...
     
  2. Nov 22, 2008 #2
    marymac

    marymac Songster

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    That sounds sooo funny!!! My chickens don't want any part of the snow either. My guineas stepped out the door cautiously and turned around and came back inside. It is their first time in snow. I thought chickens go out in snow, but maybe we got a bunch of city slickers lol. They can be so amusing.
     
  3. Nov 23, 2008 #3
    Pumpkinpup

    Pumpkinpup Poultry Princess 10 Years

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    Jul 16, 2008
    North-West Georgia
    That's too funny! [​IMG] I must say though, I don't wish to see first hand how my flock reacts to snow or ice but I fear I'm going to find out anyhow [​IMG] I think we may be in for a bad winter here in the south east. We have not had one in a very long time and are due. Already the temps have been incredible for this early in the year!
     
  4. Nov 23, 2008 #4
    Jena

    Jena The Welsh Witch

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    Nov 2, 2008
    Cardiff
    That description is worthy of Disney,

    I would have loved to see them.
    their behaviour is such fun, it lights up my day most of the time.

    Excellent , thank you for sharing that,

    Jena.
     
  5. Nov 23, 2008 #5
    sunnydee

    sunnydee Songster

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    Jul 17, 2008
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    What a wonderful story to read first thing this a.m. No snow yet here in Maine (at least where I live). I can't wait to see how my spoiled freak out at even new shavings girls act! [​IMG]
     
  6. Nov 23, 2008 #6
    Mom 2em All

    Mom 2em All Songster

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    Southeast Michigan
    My girls were out in the yard, looking for bugs and leftover garden goodies when we got hit hard with great big fluffy snowflakes. Their first snow experience.

    They ran back to their yard, squawking and carrying on like someone was chasing them. Most of them went under their covered porch. My silkie and Golden Comet just stood amidst the falling flakes and fussed.

    [​IMG]
    *The sky is falling! The sky is falling!*
     
  7. Nov 23, 2008 #7
    what was i thinking

    what was i thinking Songster

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    Oct 1, 2008
    cny ny
    that is a funny site. i had the same thing happen. i usually come home in the mid morning and let them out. i was not able to til thursday. we had about 5 or 6 of snow. they ran to the door fast. then stopped dead. it looked like they all got stuck. heads only sticking out. they were saying, "i'm not going, you go!" for quite sometime. still haven't left the coop to see the wonderful snow.
    sounds better when you tell the story thou. thanks for sharing with us.
     
  8. Nov 23, 2008 #8
    joebryant

    joebryant Crowing

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    SW of Greenwood, INDIANA
    I normally put LOL with a reply to a post that made me laugh, but that description still has me laughing while still imagining the scene. I must be sadistic because now I can't wait for a snow (can't believe I said THAT) so that I can watch my four crazies' reactions.
     
  9. Nov 23, 2008 #9
    zimmy987

    zimmy987 In the Brooder

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    My girls get so angry when it snows.. they complain more than I do about it. They dont even come out of the run anymore. Maybe I should hook up some cable tv for them to watch to pass their day!
     
  10. Nov 23, 2008 #10
    PAJerry

    PAJerry Songster

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    Waterford, PA
    My flock keeps going in and out of the coop to the covered 'porch' I have for them, but don't even think about venturing into the 30" of snow we have on the ground here. I'm going to have to shovel some of it out away from their porch or it will become a fully enclosed second room of the coop, with snow walls! The Lake Erie snowbelt has got off to a whopping big start!
     
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