How Long Outside?

It is nearly zero here with the wind chill. They are free to go outside. They get a little fresh air and then go inside. They will probably be fine.

 

They'll be quite happy at 30 Mine went out for a brisk jog at 13.

 

I let mine free range outside, and it was in the low-20s this morning. The ground is frozen, but they want to go out unless it's snowing. Don't know how much they can scratch up but it's good for them to get the exercise in this weather. I feed extra protein & fat now, for the extra fuel they need during this cold winter snap. Also I don't heat the coop, keeping them acclimated to current temperatures.

 

I agree! Chickens are much hardier than we think. I never heat their coop and in the winter we have many nights in the negatives... have never had a problem with the cold. Let them choose to go in and out as they please for happier birds!

 

My girls took one look outside the pop door today and turned right around and have stayed in since.We're in the middle of a major snowstorm here in Ottawa and it's also quite windy.It's the very first time they have chosen to stay inside!I've supplied them with a 1/2 cabbage and some eggnog and they're havin a Christmas party!

 

Quote:Cabbage sounds more like New Years. Give 'em some pork to go with it. But only if they're chickens of German descent

 

I don't mind freezing temps when I am bundled in a down jacket - I suspect the chickens are the same. If I remember correctly, the way their circulation works helps them keep their feet from freezing and their insulating feathers keep their bodies warm. I would only be really worried if they somehow got wet and then were out in freezing temps. We have been in the teens here and the chickens wander around like normal pretty much. Oh, and I have started getting eggs again. YAY!!! Go figure, the temperature drops and egg production increases! ha ha ha...


eta: I do feed a higher fat and protein hot mash every other day. I also include organic kelp/seaweed and a sprinkling of a high quality salmon and rice dog food into the mixture. Just enough to add as a supplement, not a main ration. Between 27 birds I don't think anyone is able to over do it with the dog food mixed in.

 

Chickens do quite fine in the winter, they simple need a shelter out of the direct wind, rain, snow, mud, etc. The coop needs to be well ventilated, usually vent holes at the top of the coop on two sides. This allows the humidity to escape. Chicken poop and the chickens give off quite a bit of moisture and it needs to exit the building or it can cause respitory problems as well as cause frost bite on combs and wattles.
Chickens will fluff their feathes and trap the warm air their bodies give off to create warm insulation around their skin.
In 40+ years I can honestly not remember losing a single bird to the cold even the few years I can remember temps at minus 20 for a week or two but I always seem to lose one or two in the heat and humidity of the summer.
I might add that vasaline added to the wattles and combs of large combed hens and roosters does well to prevent frost bite.