My chickens don't like snow.

[cluckmecoop7]

Ok, thanks.
Any thing else that word work?

 

[21hens-incharge]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/snow-in-run.1341112/

This thread is a featured thread. There may be ideas in there too.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Of you have any scrap plywood in good sized pieces maybe build them a tent of sorts.
It would stay dry underneath.


Be sure to secure it so it doesn't collapse on them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I shovel. I know it's not practical if you get heavy snow, but mine simply don't accept being on snow, and I don't want them inside all day. I do have dried leaves saved up that I can throw on top of the snow as well, but if it keeps snowing it's hard to stay on top of it without shoveling at all. I shovel pathways, just enough to give them some area to walk around in, so they still have to walk to eat and drink.

 

[Mrs. K]

I put a lot of old hay in my run when it is nice, if I know a storm is coming (and I generally do as DH is a national weather junky) I use a hay fork or a rake and make mini haystacks in the run. After the snow is done, I flip it on top of the snow. Out they come.

I also have some shelter out in the run, a place to get out of the wind. And I repurposed some old shower doors, so they have a little sun porch.

We in SD just got a good storm. I am so hoping it melts off before we get more.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/snow-in-run.1341112/

This thread is a featured thread. There may be ideas in there too.

Too bad it turned into a comedy show chat thread...first few pages aren't bad, then you'll have to skim past the nonsense.

Couldn't/can't afford to build a structure strong enough to carry the snow loads here.
So I shovel, sometimes hourly during bad storms.
First to keep run and pop doors accessible to me,
then a 50' path to access run roof if snow gathers there(which it can).
Run roof almost collapsed the first year,
I was very lucky it didn't bend beyond bouncing back.
Have a 4x8 'under-run' for the birds which is always accessible and stays dry all year for dust bathing. It's protected the the glass panels shown and another, and the awning. The other run is closed in winter, too hard to get back there to keep it cleared.
Luckily the coop is rather large, and I keep the winter population low so cabin fever days don't cause any mayhem.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thanks! I'll check out the thread @21hens-incharge!!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Too bad it turned into a comedy show chat thread...first few pages aren't bad, then you'll have to skim past the nonsense.

I guess I should have read the whole thing.

 

[Sea Wolf]

My birds do not like snow either. They hide under the coop and won't walk in it. I indulge their disdain and let them be. If they want water they either pick at the snow they can reach or they will walk in it to the waterer. Same as for food. They will if need be but, if they want to hide from it, I don't interfere. If we really get buried, I do shovel out the water fountain and feeder as I need to get to it. The birds will use the same path. Here, the snow melts in a few days so they can deal with it for a short time.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I have good news!
My chickens decided they had enough of staying in the coop. They were all out in the run today, and lots of the day too! I shoveled the from part and put out food so I guess that helped. Thank you for all the suggestions! I hope my chickens will get really used to snow.