letting the chickens out in the winter

[bugkiller]

Dont know if this question belongs here or not but do you guys keep your chickens locked in the coop during very cold days or will you open the coop up and let them decide if it is too cold. Is it bad for the birds to not let them out at all for a two or three days at a time. and in the summer months when it is hot is there any need to lock them in at all could i leave the coop open 24/7??

 

[sy7up]

hi, I posted about the same question about my chicken, and duck not liking there houses, and It was raining and cold, no one posted so I brought them both in. but will keep them tonight, wish someone would post.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

My coop door will be open but the chickens seldomly go out in the winter but my geese and ducks will want to go out.

 

[bugkiller]

I forgot to mention they are not free range. They are in a secure caged 4X8 run and the coop is about 12 sq feet. Only 2 chickens.

 

[sheaviance1]

My coop door stays open year round. We have fairly mild winters here though.

 

[Beekissed]

Chickens have wonderfully warm feathers that overlap like scales to seal in the warmth and keep the cold and wet from penetrating down to their skin. They do just fine in cold weather and enjoy the fresh air in all seasons. I free range 365, 24/7 with the pop door open at all times....my birds decide for themselves if they want to come or go outside.

 

[darkmatter]

Unless it's blizzard conditions, the pop door is open.

 

[sheaviance1]

Hi darkmatter! I love how the coop is always warmer than the outside air. I could (and have) camped out in there with the ladies for a while.

 

[Davian]

Quote:
Chickens are like mini heat blankets...its amazing how much heat they put off.

 

[Mamaboid]

Mine free range during the daylight hours, but are locked up at night due to predators. I open the door in the morning no matter what the weather. There are days when I would much rather not make the trek to the coop first thing in the morning, but that is one of the sacrifices you make for the pleasure of having chickens I guess.