Won't go outside to drink

[Ccort]

It's below 0F here. Very cold. Windy. My girls are in their coop and will not/have not gone into their run, not even for water. I brought their food into the run but afraid of bringing water in. Advice?

If I make mash and add probiotics, will that suffice for a day or two until conditions lighten?

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

It's below 0F here. Very cold. Windy. My girls are in their coop and will not/have not gone into their run, not even for water. I brought their food into the run but afraid of bringing water in. Advice?

If I make mash and add probiotics, will that suffice for a day or two until conditions lighten?

Just go in with a bowl, and let them drink as much as they want, then take it out so they can't spill or make a mess.

 

[Ccort]

Just go in with a bowl, and let them drink as much as they want, then take it out so they can't spill or make a mess.

I did this but three wouldn't touch it.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Maybe make a mash with warm water?

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

I did this but three wouldn't touch it.

Hmm. They might just not be thirsty. You could try again later, or put some treats in the water (or warm the water up slightly). They will probably be fine, and when they are thirsty will drink.

 

[Ccort]

Maybe make a mash with warm water?

I did this and they did eat. Just wasn't sure if thats enough hydration for a couple days?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I did this and they did eat. Just wasn't sure if thats enough hydration for a couple days?

You'll want to make fresh unfrozen water available several times a day, even if they act like they don't want it.

 

[Sally PB]

I have a bowl of snow in my coop, and have seen most of them nosh on it.

 

[Ccort]

I caved and just hung their waterer in the coop. They were very thirsty so worried they'll be dehydrated without it. They weren't really having the dog bowl. I plan to check in a lot. Its pretty heavy and hung from a chain so hoping no issues. I plan to remove it at bedtime.

I noticed they started eating more now too.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I caved and just hung their waterer in the coop. They were very thirsty so worried they'll be dehydrated without it. They weren't really having the dog bowl. I plan to check in a lot. Its pretty heavy and hung from a chain so hoping no issues. I plan to remove it at bedtime.

I noticed they started eating more now too.

Hopefully all will go well now.