Preparing my girlies for the snow

[Curlykale]

Just wondering what I can do to prepare my chickens for the snow which is forecast tomorrow. Their run is on concrete, lined with a thick layer of woodchips. One end of it (their 'conservatory'!) is covered with plastic (roof, sides and end) and their dustbath is in that bit, but the rest of it is open mesh. Should I cover the whole run with plastic while it is snowing? (It's only chest-height; not a walk-in one). Or will they be ok walking about in snow? Should I give them something warm to eat and if so what - they usually just have their pellets, some greens, corn and mealworms. Any tips from stopping their water from freezing? I am out at work most of the day so can't keep checking and defrosting it. Will be grateful for any advice Hope you all stay warm and cosy.

[RichmondHens]

Apart from the fact that they won't like it very much if they are young and haven't seen it before, they will be fine with their normal routine. Chances are they will stay in the house for most of the time as they will be a bit scared of the shiny white world outside, although I give mine some enforced exercise by throwing them out in it first thing. They have a bit of a flap around, something to eat and then pick their way back to the house again. A little snowfall in the run will do no harm, and it gives them something to drink if their water freezes over while you are out. TBH I don't bother defrosting water for the chooks if there has been heavy snow, they seem to cope having beakfuls of snow. Also if the temperature stays below zero then it freezes over so quickly it is almost not worth the effort of doing. Feedwise stick to what they are used to, if it gets very cold a little extra grain is fine.

[Hans Mum]

mine are fine with it....they grumbled a couple of years ago when it was quite deep but they managed. I give them some warm porridge on a morning....cheapy oats with hot water and a bit of poultry spice thown in....they love it. If i'm home before they go to bed i thrown them a handful of corn as well but not too often

[VirginVegGrower]

I too feed porridge oats with crushed garlic, water and mealworms. Goes down a treat.

[chris]

I feel a bit mean Mine get let out in the morning, and that's it

[jessmorris]

..mine won't eat garlic porridge, snow or fine.....

[Curlykale]

I'm obviously just being overprotective, but it is their first winter (and mine, with chooks) - I'll try them with the garlic/mealwormy porridge; sounds yummy! Thanks for all your replies