They won't come out of the coop into the snow

[NHchicks]

I don't remember the chickens being so timid last year, but this year they stay cooped up and won't venture out into the snow. I shoveled a little spot for them, and they'll go out there if it's not windy or too inclement, but for the most part they're just staring out looking for spring. I keep the human door open all day just in case, and put their food and water just outside the door. I don't think the rooster is getting a lot of romance either. They're not in the mood and there's not enough space. I'm getting 2-3 eggs a day from 9 hens.

Pretty soon they'll be back at my sliding glass doors tho, driving my husband nuts with chicken poop all over the place... Can't wait.

 

[artsyrobin]

mine are that way, try tossing hay or pine shavings on the snow??

 

[NHchicks]

Yup, that's what I've been doing: raking the old shavings from the coop out onto the snow. Only trouble is, it's snowing so frequently, keeps covering it back up. Works well tho, really fakes the chickens out, they think it's hard ground.

 

[artsyrobin]

mine haven't seen so much snow, so the older ones are familiar with it, the younger ones would just stand there and stare- we got hit with a blizzard last week, and more is supposed to be here this week, so they aren't going to be happy - i do let them out on the porch to stretch and a change of scene, but they are grumbling!

 

[Louise's Country Closet]

For mine, it depends on the day too for if they want to come out or not. I have a couple who will run out the door and look shocked when they find themselves in snow, and some who like to come out and eat it. I have a rooster who absolutely refuses to come outside, lol, and a few girls who aren't too fond of it. I can't really blame them.. could you imagine walking around in the snow without shoes? LOL

We're getting closer to spring though, YAY!!!

 

[jaj121159]

You know why they won't come out?

















They're chicken

 

[groverlvchx]

 

[groverlvchx]

Mine finally came out today!!!

It took me going in their coop, removing pretty much everything and raking the deep bedding around. I also raked some hay into their yard. I have 14 mutts (which are small/standard) and 3 black orpingtons, which came a few weeks later and are lowest in the pecking order. Well, after today the orps are no longer scared and had a BLAST enjoying the yardful of treats (scratch, backed squash, fresh rye grass fodder) and the little chicken bullies stayed inside. So glad for the orps! They'll be the ones to give me eggs first, so I'm happy to see them getting lots of nutrition and not bullied away from the treats so much. I was getting tempted to show them a mirror..."you laides are bigger than those little bullies!"

 

[groverlvchx]

*baked* squash (oops)

 

[groverlvchx]

*ladies* ... sheesh I need an editor!