Snow time!

[Soon2BChixMom]

Got the chickens out into the run with a few treats. They didn't go far at first, but, then ventured over to the burning bush.

 

[N F C]

Looks like they enjoyed their time outside!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I believe so. I think they enjoyed the sunshine too! They probably would have stayed out longer if I had let them, but I had other chores to get done and we have a hawk that has been on patrol here for the past month or so. I keep them in their coop and secured attached run which has some plastic and a tarp to keep most of the snow out. The EE came out for about 5 seconds at first, then she was like “nah, this is for the birds”. But, a few seconds later came back out when the IBs went around the corner to the bush.

 

[henaynei]

My goose and some of my 8 month old roosters cane out but the hens said “Oh, no no no!”
Even when later I put their feed pan at the end of the door plank! LOL
I also put a small pan of water just inside the door for them!
Silly chickens!
We got another inch or two after these pix.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

@henaynei the snow we got is a mere dusting compared to what you have!

 

[henaynei]

I ended up loosing one of my 4 breeding hens to egg binding and deep freezing ( in the teens with sustained heavy winds).
Hens didn’t come out of the tractor for several days. I did regular head counts but they were huddled together and I was not able too detect her distress.
heavy heart

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I ended up loosing one of my 4 breeding hens to egg binding and deep freezing ( in the teens with sustained heavy winds).
Hens didn’t come out of the tractor for several days. I did regular head counts but they were huddled together and I was not able too detect her distress.
heavy heart

Awe sorry to hear that.

 

[henaynei]

I’ve since tacked empty feed sacks on the front on either side of the door and placed wind barriers around all 4 sides to block wind from the bottom. The floor of the tractor is hardware cloth so there is adequate ventilation.
It looks awful but had been effective the last 2 nights when we had gusts to 50mph.
I love winter but am concerned for my chickens. Was supposed to be mild, but this is not mild for here so far.

 

[alexa009]

Love your birds and your coop! Looks like they are really enjoying themselves!

 

[henaynei]

http://abundantpermaculture.com/mobile-chicken-coop/Thanks. It’s called a chickshaw. It’s a chicken tractor developed by Justin Rhodes specifically for moving more easily over not-flat terrain. Securing the chickens at night not dependent on sitting tight on flat ground and is relatively easy for one old woman to move, that being me!