Sleeping outside in freezing weather

[KimbosKluckers]

Because they are not freezing. Like the wild birds that overwinter where you are they can handle the cold. The main difference between your chickens and the wild birds is that the wild birds have more options to get out of bad weather than chickens trapped in a bare run. Just give them options, they will manage.

I agree, you would be pretty cold and miserable out there without any clothing. But you are not a chicken with a down coat. They are not people without a down coat. I understand your empathy toward them but they are not human. That can be really hard for some people to understand.

I’m just now seeing your reply when I came to update my situation. So sorry. You’re right, I’m sure they can handle more than I give them credit for. Thanks for your input. The past week 1-2 gals are now sleeping on the floor of the coop They were all roosting fine when I widened the bars and took out the run roosts. I did notice on camera that one barred rock is pecking everyone off her 5’ roost! So one 5’ roost for one bird, the other 5’ has two birds and the lower 4’ bar usually just one bird. 1-2 birds now on floor. There’s 14’ of roosts and no more room to add. Should I put the outdoor roosts back up? I’m now thinking there’s not much temperature difference since I don’t heat…again, run is secure and partially blocked form wind. I’m at a loss.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Meant to add this photo, hard to see one far upper left (you can see a foot) and one low right…those other two were on floor all night

 

[Ridgerunner]

If they are not sleeping in your nests and getting them poopy and if they are predator safe, I'd leave them alone. It doesn't hurt them to sleep on the floor. My broody hens sleep on the floor with their chicks. Chicks in brooders typically sleep on the floor. After they are weaned by broodies or I let them out of the brooder they often sleep on the floor before they go to the roosts. Some adults, (including some Silkies or other breeds that cannot fly) sometimes sleep on the floor.

As long as no one is getting hurt and your nests are not getting poopy give them a chance to sort it out. They already have, but things can change in the future. Their sleeping habits can change. Again.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

If they are not sleeping in your nests and getting them poopy and if they are predator safe, I'd leave them alone. It doesn't hurt them to sleep on the floor. My broody hens sleep on the floor with their chicks. Chicks in brooders typically sleep on the floor. After they are weaned by broodies or I let them out of the brooder they often sleep on the floor before they go to the roosts. Some adults, (including some Silkies or other breeds that cannot fly) sometimes sleep on the floor.

As long as no one is getting hurt and your nests are not getting poopy give them a chance to sort it out. They already have, but things can change in the future. Their sleeping habits can change. Again.

I did notice one sleeping on the edge of the nest box one night before she chose the floor. What’s your opinion on replacing the outdoor roosts? I keep the pop door open 24/7. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I would not. Nobody is being hurt. They are probably safer from weather and predators sleeping in the coop. I just don't see that you have a problem right now.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

I would not. Nobody is being hurt. They are probably safer from weather and predators sleeping in the coop. I just don't see that you have a problem right now.

Got it. Thank you!