My old girls are not as smart as I thought

[aldarita]

My geriatric flock (hens from 5 to 9 years old, total of 8) are not as smart as I thought. I worked dutifully every winter adding tarps to cover all the areas that have NW exposure to cold wind. I add hot plates, so their water does not freeze and move their feeders to cozy areas, I add more hay to their coops. Still they chose to go out in the wind (2F with wind chill) and stay behind the oleanders where there is a wall that stops the wind. They don't have water nor food in there. I have to say (to their credit) that since chickens are animals of habits, that is the place they go every day in the mornings. I tried to move them back into their run enticing them with treats to no avail. They did not move an inch, they just looked at me and that was all the communication I was able to get. So I discovered that their habits are stronger than the instinct of protection.
On the other hand, my young flocks (2 year olds) stayed in their coops most of the day... Ah smart girls!

 

[sourland]

Chickens hate change - almost as much as me.

 

[Ridgerunner]

My take on it is a little different. I figure chickens know more about being chickens and knowing when they are comfortable and happy than I ever will. I give mine the choice of going out in weather below 0 Fahrenheit if they want to. As long as they are not being hit by a cold wind most of mine usually go out. I don't lock mine in and I don't force them to go out, I give them the option and figure they are happier doing what they want to do. I find different chickens can want to do different things.

 

[aldarita]

My take on it is a little different. I figure chickens know more about being chickens and knowing when they are comfortable and happy than I ever will. I give mine the choice of going out in weather below 0 Fahrenheit if they want to. As long as they are not being hit by a cold wind most of mine usually go out. I don't lock mine in and I don't force them to go out, I give them the option and figure they are happier doing what they want to do. I find different chickens can want to do different things.

I believe you are right, otherwise it does not make sense for them to go out under this bad weather. I do let them do what they want too, it is their choice. It is my mama hen instinct to want to protect them all the time.