[bubbles108]

We bought our 2 black sussex chickens in May and I love them to bits.
One has just started laying again after a bad attack of red mite.  Which I think was stressful for all of us.  Now I have the fear of winter to contend with.
I was wondering if anyone can help advise me on the do's and don'ts for caring for your chickens over winter.
Their coop is on concrete due to my fear of fox attack.  I have already been told as the shorter days set in we will see less and less of them and that their laying will reduce.  My real concern is caring for them in frost and snow.  Would you suggest moving the coop to an inside garage with artifical light?

Any help would be gratefully received[ ]

[Lindeggs]

Hello Bubbles, welcome to the forums.  Have you seen this thread called "winter tips for chooks"?  It has some very useful information in it.
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=26974.0

You say that your coop is on concrete.  Do the chickens walk directly on the concrete?  If so I would suggest putting a thick layer of some kind of flooring on top - wood chips are often recommended, but you can also add compost, bark, fallen leaves, etc.

I wouldn't recommend bringing the chickens inside for the winter.  They will be much better outside where they can get fresh air and natural light.  Is there any part of their run that is covered, so they can come out and scratch around even in the coldest, wettest weather?

[bubbles108]

Hi Lindeggs
Thanks for your advice. 
Part of the run is under the nesting box and the rest is undercover.  I was just so concerned about them being out exposed to the elements especially if we get snow which I'm sure we will.

Makes sense to cover the concrete which I'll start doing this weekend

I'm so pleased I found this forum its great being able to ask others who care and love chickens :happy: :happy: 

[joyfull]

keep them outside, they will be fine. Make sure as has been suggested that they have some area covered and when it gets really cold you can rub a little bit of petroleum jelly on their combs to help prevent frostbite. Some of mine live outside in the trees all year round with no ill effects 

[Helenaj]

I'm with Joyfull on this one, keep them outside. Mine were just a bit bewildered last year as it was the first time they had seen snow, but with temperatures at -15C some nights they coped really well. I only lost one hen and she was a very old lady who I suspected would havedied  over the winter anyway, cold conditions or not. I just provided them with an area (a spare coop) full of warm bedding where they could go and sit during the day if they wanted to.

[grumpydad]

i have a clear poly roof over the run to keep the snow out and rain out of the roof, they really dont seem to be too bothered about the cold, it is just the drinking water that can be a problem, making sure they have water and changing it when it freezes.