Evicted

The chickens have not enjoyed the snow so far.  Before I got them, I did lots of research.  Chickens do well in the cold, many times much better than in the heat.  I read of people with chickens scurrying around in the snow looking for goodies.  I also read up on chicken tractors and what was best.  Yeah right.  They lie I tell you! 

My chickens wanted to stay inside all day.  This would be fine if there was a way to have food and water for them inside.  The tractor that J built (and heavily researched) does not allow to have water inside.  The water freezes and before freezing it gets filled up with shavings and straw.  Utterly useless.  I can put food in there, but not water.

So we needed to get them outside.  We worked very hard to get the majority of the snow out of their run.  This got a few of them out for a few minutes before running back inside.  Mind you there is no heat inside, except from their bodies.  This morning they were still huddled inside squawking their disapproval.  I got another bright idea and spread shavings over the snow.  This gave their little toes something warmer to walk on.  They didn't care.  One or two would come out and go right back in. 

At this point I was getting very frustrated.  I don't want to lose these birds!  So I went outside and forced the issue.  I opened up the top and pulled each and every one of them out and placed them in the run by the food.  Food!  Water!  They were ecstatic and quiet for the first time in 2 days. 

Then I took a picture and the shutter scared them back in.

Silly birds.  At least they know its there now.  I may have to repeat this process a few times until they get it, but at least I know what to do now.  Hopefully they'll be ok.  One thing is for certain, J will be building a full sized coop with an adult sized yard next year.  It will also have food and water inside.  You live and you learn.