Hens Missing During Blizzard

[Geira]

I'm super new to chicken keeping so I've got no real advice for you but I do hope they turn up safe and sound. Sunset is around 5 in my part of the world. Most of the time they are in the run by 3:30-4 but when they aren't I will use treats to get them back in before it gets dark and then they always go inside the coop at dusk before the magic auto door shuts them in for the night. Maybe some training to get them where they need to be? It's just what I do.

 

[scattermydreamsoflight]

Any news on our wayward flock?

Still no sign of those two sadly We are going to look again tomorrow in a larger radius, as well as reaching out to neighbors.

The other chickens are continuing to behave strangely with the snow and cold, so I have to imagine everyone is still a little shocked from the abrupt season change (from 30-50 degrees & no snow to 10-30 degrees & tons of snow in one night).

Unfortunately it is cold now and set to be cold for several more days, so not much melting has been happening. I'm still hopeful for their return though and will keep searching!

 

[scattermydreamsoflight]

I'm super new to chicken keeping so I've got no real advice for you but I do hope they turn up safe and sound. Sunset is around 5 in my part of the world. Most of the time they are in the run by 3:30-4 but when they aren't I will use treats to get them back in before it gets dark and then they always go inside the coop at dusk before the magic auto door shuts them in for the night. Maybe some training to get them where they need to be? It's just what I do.

They were so good about it this summer, but they seem stubborn to go to 'bed' so early now that the sunsets around 5pm.

Now with snow on the ground they refuse to leave the coop! For some of my flock, standing on the snow immobilizes them instantly. They accidentally hop outside, on the snow, and then don't move. Start to shiver. Some make it into a tree. Some run back in. My biggest rooster did that today and I had to grab him and bring him back into the coop. He didn't move for several minutes! He'd move his head and body but his feet were like glued to the ground.

 

[Geira]

Good luck! I hope you find them, hopefully alive but if not at least you will know what happened to them. I would hate to always be wondering. Praying for a safe return.