Chickens and snow

[Rick589]

Seeing my chickens walking around in their very first snow has me wondering how they don’t end up with frostbite at some point. It’s not deep snow, I’ve swept the run out so it’s really just a little more than a coating, deep enough for footprints.

 

[Noraaaaa]

Same! Mine don't even want to go in the snow sometimes! But yeah-its impressive!

 

[aart]

I believe that birds have specialized circulation systems in their feet.
@Ridgerunner and/or @ChickenCanoe might know the details.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't know any details but I see a lot of wild birds walking in snow. I don't think they'd be doing that if they were that worried about frostbite. Maybe it is a bird thing, not a chicken thing.

 

[Penpal]

Chickens can walk in snow because their physiology allows them to regulate the temperature in their legs and feet, preventing them from freezing even in cold conditions; their blood flow is designed to cool as it reaches the lower legs, then warm back up as it returns to the body, minimizing the risk of frostbite, and their feathers provide additional insulation.

From a google search. I wish my feet did that.

 

[StinkyAcres]

As long as they have a dry, well-ventilated, and draft-free place to go back to and wide roosts to help them keep their feet warm with their feathers at night they will be just fine.

 

[Rick589]

Chickens can walk in snow because their physiology allows them to regulate the temperature in their legs and feet, preventing them from freezing even in cold conditions; their blood flow is designed to cool as it reaches the lower legs, then warm back up as it returns to the body, minimizing the risk of frostbite, and their feathers provide additional insulation.

From a google search. I wish my feet did that.

Ditto on that!

 

[McChooky]

The look on my chickens faces was priceless when they ran out in the snow today. They stared at the ground in disbelief (only 2 ran out lol)

 

[Loving my girls]

As long as they have a dry, well-ventilated, and draft-free place to go back to and wide roosts to help them keep their feet warm with their feathers at night they will be just fine.

Or perhaps Yeti boots (for those that remember them)

 

[Rick589]

Or perhaps Yeti boots (for those that remember them)

NOW THAT'S A PICTURE! Chickens wearing boots.