Taking care of the chickens throughout the winter has introduced us to unexpected challenges. Winter is a difficult time for all animals and the chickens are no exception. We had to learn to make accommodations along the way to keep the comfortable and happy throughout the winter, but there is only so much you can do with temperatures hovering near 0*F at night and a few feet of snow. Here are some of the lessons we’ve learned.
Chickens do not like snow. Although we have cleared their run, the trace amounts of snow keep them from wanting to go outside. They’ve really become little couch potatoes. They prefer to stay in their cozy little coop.
Keeping variety in their diet is difficult and expensive in the winter. We supplement their feed with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other goodies like flax and grains. The chickens eat our veggie ends, squash we froze over the summer, pumpkins that we still have around and cabbage and seconds of root vegetable we can pick up at the only remaining roadside vegetable stand.
Increasing their protein intake has been a challenge and leads to our next difficulty. Back when we had the rooster,
(remember him)
we ran into a big problem with our brown layers. Basically they were his favorite ladies, and he made that very well known. So well known that he wore the feathers off of their backs and even drew blood at times. Then the rooster met his fate. With the help of some Blue Kote the ladies healed, but growing feather back has been a real challenge. From what I’ve read, growing feather requires a lot of extra protein. We provided protein in the form of cottage cheese (they love it) but it really hasn’t helped enough. We’ve since started feeding a protein supplement and hope that this will do the trick. Problem is, we now have feather pickers. The chickens are pulling each others feathers out. We’re still applying Blue Kote every so often because the taste is supposed to deter them from messing with the area. I suppose it’s their nature to peck, but it sure is frustrating. I’m sure it doesn’t help that they are bored and won’t leave their coop, but we’re at a loss as to how to fix the situation. Hopefully the protein supplement will help things.
Here is a video of one of our first spring like days (50*F!!). The chickens were out roaming the driveway, because it was the only area without snow. Apparently the lure of dirt was irresistible. Everyone decided a dust bath was in order. Around here, were all ready for spring! (Please note, the naked, blue butts, the lack of feathers really makes for some ugly chickens 
)
