This is my first Iowa winter with chickens. I have 2 hens, 6 -18 week old pullets and 6 -18 week old guineas in a tall 12 x 10 coop with an attached 11 x 10 covered run. I live on 3 acres in the middle of farm land. All the fields are harvested, and I still have some greenish grass. Today it is 25 degrees with a wind chill to 19. No precipitation. When do you NOT let your poultry free range? What are some parameters?
I open the door everyday, its thier choice if they come out, or stay inside, most days they come out,, even if its just to run(hop/skip/jump/fly) over the snow to get to dirt/leaves under the trees.
I will let mine out whenever I can get to the coop. If it's a blizzard or a rain storm, they might have to stay in that day. They will go back in the coop after a while if they don't like it outside.
The only time I don't free range is high winds, above 60mph. I don't want the chickens to get hurt by flying debris. Imp-or become flying debris
I also open up the coop every day. This morning it was 12 degrees and everyone happily came tumbling out the pop door. I even have two sets of chicks (8 weeks today) who live outside with their mothers.
I almost always let mine chose. They love to get out walk on top of the snow and find their way into the barn or under the porch, for a good dust bath. Only time I keep them in is if is blizzard like, cuz I worry about them getting lost.
We had snow last night, and mine are out free ranging right now. They do have very old, large pine trees they take cover in when it gets windy. They love to dust bathe in the pines, and I think the pine needles help with warmth. I wasn't sure they would come out this morning when I opened the coop, but the snow doesn't seem to bother them at all. Bluemoon
Thanks guys! They are all outside, they do love it, I am just being over protective I'm sure. Last night one of my polish did not come in with the rest of them and I am afraid I have lost her. The cost of freedom?
We had our first snow yesterday. I opened the barn door and they ran for it as usual, until the saw the snow. You should have heard the tires squeal! They didn't go out yesterday and didn't want anything to do with it today either. It's going to be a long winter if they are afraid of a quarter inch of snow...
