My chickens don't like snow.

[cluckmecoop7]

Hello everyone! I hope ya'll are doing well!
Well, I think winter is here - because I have about 5 inches of snow outside and its still coming down.
Now, I like snow. But my chickens don't.

When I opened there coop door this morning, they were about to come out but then - they saw the snow. They stayed in the coop. Well, they are still in there right now! They are getting restless and bored....I don't really want that.

1. How do I keep them from getting bored?
2. How do I teach them to "like" snow?

My coop is not the biggest, but its awesome in summer because they are outside almost the whole day. Its also their first winter (young chickens) so this is to be expected, right? Will they get used to it? When will they come out?
Where I am, we have long (about 5 months) winters.

Thanks for reading~any advice is welcome.

- Clucky

P.S
My run is not covered, and I don't think its possible to cover this winter.

 

[sourland]

Can you shovel a path in the run or spread some hay/straw on top of the snow ? Chickens don't like change, and snow is a big change to them.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

My run does not have a door or gate yet. I might be able to shovel, but its pretty un-even, so that might now work. I don't have hay and won't be able to get in anytime soon. Any other suggestions?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Throw shavings on top of the snow instead of straw since you cannot get some maybe....

I would be working on a gate in case I need to get in there to rescue someone.

Can you post a couple pics of your set up so we can see if there are other options like a tarp or roof?

 

[Ginmary]

Do you have a leaf blower? That can often clear a snow path.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

@21hens-incharge - I do have a few shavings left, so that might be a option. I don't think I can get updated pics right now, but I do have one I can share. I'll find it. There is a way I can access the run to rescue someone, BTW.

@Ginmary - I don't have a leaf blower, to bad.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

 

[cluckmecoop7]

That pic was from last summer.

 

[The Phantom]

I would lay a straw trail for them. Mine will walk on anything but snow lol

 

[SueT]

I have a big push broom, and use it to 'plow' paths for the chickens, then toss out treats in the paths to encourage them to venture out.