Free Ranging in Winter

[kansasgirlinutah]

We live in Northern Utah and get a fair amount of snow every winter. Since my girls have gotten used to free ranging every day, would it be ok to let them continue when there is snow on the ground? I know they won't really find anything to eat, but just for the exercise and getting out of the coop daily. We don't even have a run for them since the whole yard has been their run. ;-)

 

[Beekissed]

Mine do....during heavy snows you might want to trample or shovel them a space to get out into. They can't actually forage during those times but I throw down some BOSS in the deep litter and onto the snow to give them something to do and the fresh air and sunshine are good for them if they can get outside.

 

[gritsar]

Yep, it'll be fine. We don't get as much snow as y'all do, by a long shot, but we do get alot of ice. I let my free ranging birds out every day, leaving their pop door open so they have the choice to go out or not. They always choose out.

 

[kansasgirlinutah]

Well, that feller at the store was right......Chickens ARE easy!!!! Thank you for your replies.

 

[Kat'sChicks]

Quote:
So do mine.....360 days a year. If it's really windy they go out of the wind, but they would rather be outside whenever possible.

 

[marlene]

We had quite a bit of snow last year and i let my hens choose, i just opened the coop door and they had the choice to come and go as the pleased, they spent most of the time outside.

 

[AlienChick]

Kat'sChicks :

So do mine.....360 days a year. If it's really windy they go out of the wind, but they would rather be outside whenever possible.

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