natural winter instinct

[davecash]

do the chickens naturally huddle together for warmth in the cold winter months?

 

[lurky]

Mine huddle all the time.

 

[rooster-red]

Just like football players, yes.

 

[Chelly]

BUT are the football players COLD? Do they need more padding under the uniform? Poor boys... now I feel bad for them - I'll start knitting a sweater!

 

[rooster-red]

Those plastic cups get COLD!

 

[ella]

perhaps a tiny sweater?...and no futher comment on the above post.

I was always worried about the chickens in the cold, I couldn't believe it when they would spend the day out in temps around 0 but I have seen when the get cold they DO come in.

My EE roo was particularly sensitive, he'd run in the coop and settle down into the bedding to warm up, then he'd run back out to check on his ladies.

If they have shelter they will use it if they need to. Even a couple of hay bales placed in a semicircle will do.