Can we take the chickens outside when it snows? Our advice to avoid any risk
Keeping chickens in one’s garden is an occupation that requires full devotion and regular care. Chicken coop owners, especially beginners, are constantly learning from a variety of sources about keeping pets and caring for their shelter. So, in the heart of the winter season, one of the most popular questions we ask ourselves is: can we put the chickens outside when it snows? Let’s find out the answer together in the rest of the article.
Can we take the chickens outside when it snows and other important questions we ask ourselves in the winter
In winter, measures are taken to better insulate the hens’ shelter and protect them from the cold. But does that mean we have to keep them locked up all season? For nothing. Chickens are generally animals that enjoy spending time outdoors exploring their surroundings. This also applies to winter. It should be noted, in fact, that hens resist cold better than heat. Their ability to withstand some cold is explained by their plumage. In cold weather, animals fluff up their feathers, which allows them to capture the warm air underneath and more easily resist the cold.
The hens can go out from time to time in winter especially on sunny days when it is less cold
Can we take the chickens outside when it snows?
In principle yes. As mentioned above, hens have good cold tolerance. And even if the snow isn’t their favorite thing, you can take them outside once in a while to get them moving. Fresh air will also be good for them. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a sunny day or a time when the snow is melting. In this way the hens will be able to walk more easily than in hard snow. Also, if you’re worried about your poultry getting wet after the walk, you can add some dry straw to your chicken coop. They will be able to walk on it and dry faster.
To avoid any risk, it’s best to take the chickens outside when the snow is soft and the sun is out.
Do chickens like snow?
Like humans, chickens differ from each other. Therefore, some hens like to go outside even when there is snow, while others can’t stand the snow. For this reason it is advisable to give the animals the opportunity to make their choice individually.
When the weather is favorable (the sun is out and the snow is soft), open the door to the chicken coop slightly. The animals can thus decide whether they like the snow or not, whether they want to go out or prefer to stay in the chicken coop.
If you have dry leaves and straw on hand, you can cover the snow around the chicken coop to make it easier for the animals to walk and to keep their paws dry.
You can cover the snow with leaves and straw to create a protective layer against the cold, keep the animals’ feet dry and make it easier for the chickens to walk.
Natural snow barriers
Obviously, in winter, hens don’t have the opportunity to spend much time outdoors. However, on sunny days, they can be removed for a few minutes. So, if you have evergreen bushes or trees in the area of your chicken coop, you may find that the ground underneath is mostly cleared of snow. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of these parts of the yard that are naturally snow-free to organize walks for your chickens.
Take advantage of areas with little or no snow such as those under evergreen trees and bushes
Sources:
backyard chickens
backyard poultry
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