Girls are roosting outside just when it starts getting cold? Help!

[Bantam bell Wood]

rosemarythyme, I have taken your good advice and the girls seem to appreciate the low light in early evening, but on nights that lack wind are very happy sleeping on the roost in the run. The run is predator proof and the ground completely frozen, so I’m not worried about anyone getting in there to disturb (prey upon) them at night.

I’ve increased the ventilation in the coop significantly, two 5” circular vents near the top at the ridge of each side of the coop and another
1 1/4x1 1/6 foot vent area. Two of the EEs have been laying for the last week+ and everyone seems happy to do what chickens do.

I too now notice that chickens make sense to chickens!

They are enjoying the snow on days that the wind is at bay.

Thank you again!

 

[Bantam bell Wood]

Thanks for explaining that!

I’ve increased the ventilation significantly and they seem to love it. Thanks for the sound advice! They really don’t mind the cold as long as they’re out of the wind/draft and when the winds are down enjoy frolicking around in the snow.

Thank you again!

 

[Bantam bell Wood]

If they are well blocked from any wind, they should be okay.

As time goes on and I learn how much more fascinating and fun chickens are I’m amazed at how well they do in the cold weather. I mistakenly thought they would want to spend more time in the coop during winter. I have made sure they have extra shelter from the wind where they like to hang out during the day. Thank you again.

 

[Anon112]

As time goes on and I learn how much more fascinating and fun chickens are I’m amazed at how well they do in the cold weather. I mistakenly thought they would want to spend more time in the coop during winter. I have made sure they have extra shelter from the wind where they like to hang out during the day. Thank you again.

When you stop and think about it, they are birds. In nature they'd be roosting somewhere, not in a building. (And yes, I realize the modern chicken is very removed from their wild ancestors).

I was also really surprised to start to figure out how they can handle the cold. My initial instincts were like "Get them inside! Get a heat lamp on!". I have a more sheltered roost and a less sheltered roost, and there are definitely a few hens who seem to prefer the more "open air" roost, down to like the 20s or even upper teens!

 

[Bantam bell Wood]

When you stop and think about it, they are birds. In nature they'd be roosting somewhere, not in a building. (And yes, I realize the modern chicken is very removed from their wild ancestors).

I was also really surprised to start to figure out how they can handle the cold. My initial instincts were like "Get them inside! Get a heat lamp on!". I have a more sheltered roost and a less sheltered roost, and there are definitely a few hens who seem to prefer the more "open air" roost, down to like the 20s or even upper teens!

Thanks! I also have a more sheltered and a less sheltered roost, both with lots of ventilation, thanks to the posts here.

“All” four (tiny flock) of my girls like the less sheltered roost, but I do think if I had another two or three who liked the more sheltered roost the Rock would join them. She very social (understandably) and noticeably wants to be with the EEs but does seem to like the more sheltered coop roost.

I was like you thinking heat lamp, but also long underwear and scarves did cross my mind! It took me a short while to accept that they are birds and of course birds sleep outdoors.

I’m glad I started keeping chickens and not only for the eggs. I really appreciate them.

Thank you!