Snow

[Jadecinadr96]

Hi everyone, in my area tonight we are expecting 3-5 inches of snow. This is the first snow that our 10 chickens will ever see. They are in a garage structure (insulated) at night so I am not worried about that BUT during the day they are outside in a fenced in area, and there is chicken wire over the top so no predators get in, etc. Anyways, should I do anything to prepare them for the snow???? or do I not let them outside??? will their feet freeze? Temps will be around 30s and 40s. Thanks!

 

[AltonaAcres]

Let them out, but expect them not to want to leave their coop.

 

[TwentyOneChickens]

Hi everyone, in my area tonight we are expecting 3-5 inches of snow. This is the first snow that our 10 chickens will ever see. They are in a garage structure (insulated) at night so I am not worried about that BUT during the day they are outside in a fenced in area, and there is chicken wire over the top so no predators get in, etc. Anyways, should I do anything to prepare them for the snow???? or do I not let them outside??? will their feet freeze? Temps will be around 30s and 40s. Thanks!

Chickens are very cold hardy. I think they'll be fine. My chickens love the snow.

 

[Sequel]

Just check the ice and snow load on your overhead netting. If it’s 40’s shouldn’t be icy but it’s amazing what snow can stick to and collapse! Mine hate the snow but so do I so I can’t blame them! Good luck with the flock!

 

[chrissynemetz]

I always open the coop and let the chickens come and go as they want. When it's snowy they mostly stay inside their coop, but they do venture out to check on the snow here and there.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Give them the option to come out, but don't be surprised if they opt to stay in. Mine will not come out in snow, so I shovel some areas clear for them and they can make do a few weeks with more limited run space.

 

[slordaz]

Chickens aren't bothered by the weather like us unless they are always in heated lighted coop, My rooster comes and gets me up extra early to go shovel if snow is to deep , as his hens still go out even in negative -20 to -30 temps for short periods, but they can do so and go back into warm up in the coop at will.

Another thing to consider is the bread cold hardy or not, some tolerate it better than others.

as I don't know what your flock looks like but the bigger single comb ones and their wattles and legs you can put Vaseline on to help so they don't get frost bite if your concerned about it but as long as they have had time to adjust to weather their bodies pretty much do whats needed for their survival , like getting more down to help keep em warmer and they sit on their feet so as long as it's a wide roost they will hunker down at night on their feet up on roost to keep them warmer.

If you have a heated water base or pet bowl it will keep water access for them, if not plan on extra work getting ice outta waterer for them and refilling more often.One thing to note I have not found one that works below -20

 

[Folly's place]

As already mentioned, they will be fine but may hate walking in the snow. Mine are horrified, especially when that first snowfall hits the ground.
You may want to shovel space for them outside, and spread some treats out there to encourage exploration.
Watch that wire roofing for snow accumulation!
Chicken wire should keep raptors out, but won't discourage rats, weasels, or raccoons.
Keep the ventilation no matter the temperature! Don't close everything up tight, they need fresh air, just not a cold wind.
Mary

 

[chrissynemetz]

I have several old pieces of plywood that I lay around in the run when I know a lot of snow is coming. After it stops snowing I go out and flip them over so the chickens have a few dry areas to scratch around in. That, and of course shoveling pathways for them, keeps them roaming around pretty good.

 

[BarredRockMom]

I am (admittedly) a crazy Chicken Mom. For my girls, I have heavy duty plastic over their large, attached run so that the weather doesn't impact them as much. I spread straw on the ground & their door is open so that they can pop in & out of the house as they see fit.