Norm for a Winter Chicken

[brownrhi]

Here in MI it is always a full blown, snowy winter. I was so used to looking at my beautiful, shined feathers, big and bright red combs and wattles and pale orange/yellow feet on my birds. Now that we're 3 months into winter and the birds are mostly cooped up (they hate going in the snow) I am concerned about their looks.

Can someone tell me the "norm" as far as appearance for a chicken that's been in the colder temp, cooped up with a lot less sunlight???
Thank you!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It is common for combs to pale and shrink on short winter days.
They still need fresh air and get outside. I spread straw over the snow to give them something to walk on.

 

[brownrhi]

Oh that's a great idea! Luckily we had a thaw the past couple weeks so they've been out everyday but I love the straw idea for when the snow comes back. Thanks!!