Think it's too cold for your chickens? Think again...

[vtgirls]

This is our run/coop set up for the chickens for this winter. I think they will get enough air/light from the top of the chain link area being open. We are working on constructing a temporary roof for over the top of the run(kennel) - the 2x4's are there only to keep them off the wet ground until we get it together - all of our wood (except the live edge siding on the turkey coop) comes from old pallets.
The coop has two sides that were open all summer but we put plastic over them to stop the wind from whislting through. The front has a flap that opens and shuts above the door. In the summer it stayed open and held a flower box. Now I shut it at night and open it in the morning. I have been happy with this little coop for the first year - it has two nesting boxes and two roosting bars inside - but plan to get another dozen chickens this spring so they will be moving over to larger quarters!

 

[Mrs MIA]

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[mkearsley]

My birds have access to outside, but they refuse to leave their house & caged coop, both of which have a fairly decent layer of straw. They've scratched through some of the straw in the coop to get to the spilled grain from their feeders. Should I toss them out in the snow so they know its OK to come out? All summer long they would forage in the yard & then sleep in the house, so I'm kind of concerned (after seeing these posts about the birds being in the snow) that I've raised "chicken" chickens. This is their first winter.
The coop is surrounded by straw bales & tree branch bundles & is covered by a grey tarp, so there's virtually no light (I only have 4, with only 1 giving me eggs, & she stopped laying back in September). I do have a vent in the house, but its covered by the tarp, and the large door (4' tall) is propped open just wide enough for the birds to get out, with the tarp over the top & draping down about 6" It might be a little drafty if the wind comes at just the right angle, although I've got a bucket of rocks in front of the door so it can't be slammed open like it was frequently during summer windstorms. I've just been giving them fresh water in the mornings when I get up to check on them, alternating between waterers since they always freeze.

I've also started adding BOSS (black oil sunflower seeds) to their regular layer crumbles. How much BOSS should I be giving them? I figured the extra oils & fat would help keep them warm, but I don't want rolly-polly chickens come spring time.

 

[Mrs MIA]

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Where are you located? It helps us answer your questions a little better. You can add at least your state to your profile.

In general, my answer would be leave them be and let them figure it out. It's ok if they want to stay inside, as long as they have access to fresh air, food and water. For four birds, I would say only a handful of corn or BOSS in the evening.

 

[WYchicks]

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We're in the same situation! We're in Wyoming; first winter, only four hens, & they're refusing to leave the coop. However, I don't have straw & need to get some - one warmer day, we laid down leaves & they came out to walk around their run, so I want to get straw to lay down for the warmer days (esp if it's warmer but the snow isn't melting). We originally didn't have water or food in the coop (smaller coop for roosting/nesting only) b/c all summer they came & went as pleased. They have 24/7 access to the run. We've rigged up food & water in the coop & I'm bringing them fresh water in the mornings (the coop definitely doesn't have room for a heated waterer).

Despite my anxiety about them not leaving the coop, I've decided to leave all well alone! I'll try to throw down straw (or something) when snow gets in their run & I'll keep water/food/treats in their coop, but they'll either have to learn to deal with some cold to get some exercise or they're in for a long winter.

Our girls have stopped laying too. All four were laying until about two weeks ago - I think it has to do mostly with less light (only about 9-10 hrs of light per day if it's not overcast) but I do believe it has to do with very cold weather, especially when it's dipping below zero & they try to stay warm.

 

[mkearsley]

I'm in south-western Idaho. I have just left them alone for now, but figured I'd ask.

Thanks for the suggestion of the BOSS.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I just had to mention I am so proud of my babies for last night it was 36*F and my little 5 week olds were perfectly fine!!!

 

[Mrs MIA]

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And they will be.

I grew up in San Diego... I'm wishing I had that weather again for the birds. You will actually have more troubles keeping them cool in the summer than worrying about them being cold in the winter.

 

[prairiepearls]

Thank you all so much for this thread! I have copied & pasted some of the posts with info most like our setup, to read through the next time I get "cold feet."

We first-time "chicken moms" need reassurance, just like first time real moms!

 

[PepsNick]

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It's a lifesaver!