in the coop all the time a problem?

[gram28]

I am in northern WI and we have had snow and -0 temps for quite a while- -20 last night. My young hens will not go out in the snow and cold. They are content to stay in the coop( insulated and inside a garage) all day and night. They are laying and eating well and moving around between the roosts and the nesting boxes. I keep adding wood chips every couple of days and have a heater for their water as well as light on a timer. Should I be forcing them out or can they wait for better weather?

 

[jwchicklady]

if they are content then they should be fine--sounds like you have everything they need

 

[Kim_NC]

Agreed, sounds like they're fine. Continue to allow access to outside. They mau choose to stay in and avoid the frigid temps outside for quite awhile.

 

[sonew123]

Mine are in a big heated garage-we have a heater that will not allow it to go below 30 degrees but not much above either. They come to a screeching halt everyday when I open the door-they look outside and turn around! They are not having this snow-which is fine it justs makes more of a stinky mess for me to take care of more often! bleah

 

[Mattemma]

I am in NE Ohio and mine are in a metal shed most of the time.There were only a few days where I saw them outside when I shoveled the snow off the grass.Due to hawks and a non-secure run I have to stay outside with mine.While I shovel snow I leave the door open.

I think it is fine as long as they have some leg room. The only issue with mine is they go crazy everytime I open the shed door thinking I have some fresh mealworms for them! I only have enough to feed them worms once a day.I rake around the pine shavings,but I am itching to do a full cleaning on the next 30 degree day.

 

[FisherMOM]

Mine stay inside most of the time too these days. Single digits and teens here.
I have cardboard on a few of the ledges in the coop to help get rid of poop right now.