Snow and my babies

[Sandra Verbreyt]

We have had quite a good snowfall in the past two days. I put straw down etc and have wrapped my coup in old quilts and tarpaulin to keep Ruby and Margo warm.
However this morning they just dont want to come out. I have lifted them out and put them near to their food source of warm porridge, corn, peas, tomatoes and of course their usual chicken feed. However they do not seem very interested. Is this normal in snowy weather? Are they just like us and dont like the cold and what can I do to encourage them to leave the comfort of their warm coup to eat and drink ?

 

[Chelsea-85]

Cold weather does not affect them if they are big enough in age. How did you wrap up the coop? Any pics? If pics posted, the members can help better.

 

[N F C]

My girls don't like the snow. I encourage them to come out using a handful of mealworms, peanut chips and BOSS (black oil sunflower seed). And they will come out on their own when they get hungry or thirsty. But no, they do not like the snow (I've actually shoveled out their run a few times this winter).

 

[aart]

Just put the regular feed in the coop and some water...forget all the extra food stuff.
'Wrapping the coop' can be unhealthy too.
Pics of your coop would help....and just how cold is it?

 

[PirateGirl]

You said babies, how old are they? If they are not full grown in bothe feathering and size I would not force them to hang out in the snow but instead give them food and water in the coop by day and remove it at night, also replacing any damp bedding that may form around the waterer.

 

[PirateGirl]

Also, snow can only happen when it's relatively warm in winter, the days it's too cold to snow can certainly be a problem.

Sometimes just a bit of that straw you have on hand on the surface of the snow is enough to encourage them to walk on it. I'm not talking a whole layer, just a sprinkling so it doesn't look stark white.

 

[Callender Girl]

My "golden girls," -- the Orpington and Faverolles -- often choose to stay inside on snowy and/or cold days. Or, they leap out of the coop and dash to their favorite hiding place -- under the hollow concrete steps where they are out of the wind and can scratch on protected dirt.

My Sapphire Gems can't wait to get out no matter what. The rest seem not to notice weather. Guess they are all just individuals.

 

[Sandra Verbreyt]

It turns out my Margo was sick. . I took her to the vet and a course of antibiotics soon made her feel well and both Margo and Ruby are now out and about enjoying the snow