Free range winter style?!

[Duckfarmer1]

I have two groups, (EE, BR, Buff Orf, and comets), of chickens, our older ones who have a larrrge “play area” AKA run, and my 2 pullets and 5 cockerels —21 weeks—-(NHR) who are free range all day. This happened because the older chickens were rescues and were not familiar to us and I was afraid they would wander, plus they really didn’t like my ducks!

Anyways, we are in NW PA and we get a lot of snow here. Do I still let my young ones free range? On the ice and snow filled days so far, they’ve stayed inside. Which I guess is ok? Their coop is 8 x 18 with two roost bars and this chair-bench thing my hubby made. Plus, sand tub, next boxes, heated water, food...do they need more ??

 

[sylviethecochin]

My experience is that predators start to get a bit desperate in winter, so I would lock them up. It's not like they're going to find food anyway, and mine like to sleep the winter months away (which makes pullet integration easier, if that's a concern). And if they're not laying in the nest boxes, or not laying yet, now is the perfect time for them to learn.

I would start to schedule feeding, or look into secure feeders if you're free-feeding. The rats and mice have started to look for warm places to spend the winter.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

My experience is that predators start to get a bit desperate in winter, so I would lock them up. It's not like they're going to find food anyway, and mine like to sleep the winter months away (which makes pullet integration easier, if that's a concern). And if they're not laying in the nest boxes, or not laying yet, now is the perfect time for them to learn.

I would start to schedule feeding, or look into secure feeders if you're free-feeding. The rats and mice have started to look for warm places to spend the winter.

Ohhh, so, that’s why everyone talks about the rats..because of leaving food out..not because they want to eat chickens. Got it! Ok, is twice a day good? They are not laying, and the cockerels do not really act aggressive yet. When should I think about integrating? Their coops share chicken wire...we took off the wall and put up the wir so they could see each other when they moved out..so they are very familiar.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I let my Chickens out after the storm. I use the snowblower to make paths around the house and coops. They find places to forage and dust bathe when ground isn't frozen.
I only let them out an hour before sunset, weather permitting. These are pics from a couple of winters ago.

I need to get some fresh pics this winter, without my finger in the way. GC