winter advice?

[EllieJ]

Trying to convince my husband it is completely reasonable to have two or three backyard hens. The big hold-up now is winter housing. We live in the upper Midwest where it can be below freezing for days / weeks at a time. We had 10 inches of snow last week, and nine more are predicted next week. Is it appropriate / humane to keep chickens outside in such conditions? If necessary to bring them inside, how do we keep them happy while confined? (Husband is not going to go for free-range house chickens!)
Thanks for any help!

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: They won't be "outside" if you build a coop.
They can stand the cold as long as they have a dry, draft free shelter.

With your temperatures, I'd make sure to have electricity available to run a water heater of some type. Otherwise they can survive well where you are

You do NOT want chickens anywhere in your house

Wait until Spring, get your coop/run constructed, and THEN think about getting the birds

 

[drumstick diva]

I agree with Bear Foot farms. Build a good coop, get your chicks later when the weather is better. Then by fall you will have a better idea of their needs in cold weather and how to provide it.

Winter is no time to be experimenting.

 

[Hokum Coco]

This is how I do it in cold conditions check out the link:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/738994/chickens-arctic-conditions-prolonged-period

 

[EllieJ]

Thanks all for the links. Don't worry, we're completely in planning phase only right now. Doing my homework...

 

[trapper john]

I live in alaska chickens do just fine up here it can drop to -25 or -30 styrofoam sheet ins will work wonders in a coop with a heat lamp.