DickensChickens Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 The first time it snowed I opened the Eglu door and my chickies wouldn't come out for an hour or so. The eventually came down into the run, and pecked around, so later on I let them out into the garden as usual. They were fine during the day, but in the evening they refused to come back down from the patio on to the grass and to the eglu. I had to catch them all and put them one by one back into the eglu run. I thought they were maybe a bit scared of the snow on the grass? So I thought it would be better to leave them shut in the eglu run after that .... but time is going by, and there is still snow on the ground! What is everyone else doing? Is it advisable to let them free range still, or keep them cooped up? Please let me know what you think! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Mine have been kept in the Walk in Run. They may step out for the odd 2 minutes when I am sorting them out, but they are quick to rush back in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Hi Dickens! There is no reason for your chooks not to come out in the the snow, whether they like it or not is another thing!!! Some love it, some wont put a toe on the ground!!! Normal rules apply tho, never leave your chooks unattended incase Mr Foxy is about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Mine can all come out if they want but some are more adventurous than others. I have some that pluck up all their courage to rush across the white stuff so they can shelter under a conifer hedge, some say "snow, what snow??" and my Indian Game only come out of their house if bribed with corn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 mine 'cry' to be let out then they all cram on to the kitchen step and sulk because I've let them out and closed the kitchen door then they moan when I put them back in the run early I can't win Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I went to let some of mine out and they ran to the door and skidded to a halt, the two behind cannoned in to them If yours want to go out then let them just make sure they have access back to the coop in case the weather turns as as already said just supervise them as you would normally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 I give mine the option. They aren't always that bothered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henhathnofury Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 I have wimps. yesterday I made a 'bridge' with a plank and then dug and swept away what I could. They watched me, popped out to explore and then ran back in like naughty children. They are not fond of the snow. Shame. I wanted snow dancing chickens - just like some people have on the forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrambledhead Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 Let mine out yesterday and discovered they could fly much much further than I had thought, but walk in the white stuff..... no chance... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 Mine have the option and choose to come out and stand around looking pathetic. What they dislike most is the fact that they can't scratch about. I tend to dig them a clear pathway around part of the garden so that they can see grass. I am far more watchful of potential fox issues too as they will be bolder as they get more hungry in this weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 I have let mine out, but only when I'm in the garden or in the kitchen watching them in cae of foxes. However they don't like it much and are very happy to go back into the run when summoned and offered some porridge or treats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
un bon oeuf Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 My 3 are out in it now, after some warm porridge. Just went to check on them, they are having a dustbath in their favourite spot for it near the conifers, inches away its 6 inches deep and snowflakes still coming down! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 Mine don't bother - just look really disgusted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henriette Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 Mine do come out, but only if they can see a non-snow covered area somwhere ( under trees etc), or if the geese have left some grain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
