The Lab hens, Sweet and Sour, are almost three years old and in that time, they've never seen this much snow! Both hens are New England breeds, perfectly suited for cold temperatures. In addition to being bigger in size than Bantam, for example, their layered feathers provide excellent insulation against the cold.
Although they free-range in the Lab backyard, the hens have a coop and a covered run. In preparation for the snowstorm, the run was shielded from the wind and drifting snow, and extra straw was added to the coop for insulation. A small tarp was placed over the roof to create an awning at the entrance of the run. Prior to the hens moving in, their coop was modified and lifted off the ground using wood. This provides enough of a buffer to prevent accumulating snow from entering the run.
Despite all this, the hens greatly dislike the snow. They refuse to walk in it, or even look at it. Even though a path was cleared for them, the hens refused to leave the coop and the run until the majority of the snow melted.
Although they free-range in the Lab backyard, the hens have a coop and a covered run. In preparation for the snowstorm, the run was shielded from the wind and drifting snow, and extra straw was added to the coop for insulation. A small tarp was placed over the roof to create an awning at the entrance of the run. Prior to the hens moving in, their coop was modified and lifted off the ground using wood. This provides enough of a buffer to prevent accumulating snow from entering the run.
Despite all this, the hens greatly dislike the snow. They refuse to walk in it, or even look at it. Even though a path was cleared for them, the hens refused to leave the coop and the run until the majority of the snow melted.
