We've had chickens for about 4 years now. Last night my kids were at 4H and they were "taught" that you should never let your chickens go outdoors when the temps are lower than 20 degrees or their feet would freeze. My kids looked at me and said "What?!" We've left their door open and they've ventured out when the temps were down to zero occasionally.
So. . .what do you think? Were/are we irresponsible to do this? Or was the guy who was teaching just a little crazy? We have occasionally had a comb get a little frostbitten, but that's all.
star-schipp
True Blue Farmgirl
942 Posts
Starletta
Middletown
Indiana
USA
942 Posts
Posted - Dec 22 2010 : 06:31:32 AM
I've always left the door open and let them go out if they want to...even in the snow and haven't had any troubles. They do tend to stay inside more when it is cold but venture out for short periods of time. I think it is okay but I'm no expert....I trust that the animal knows what is best for it. (maybe I'm a little crazy)
We can do no great things; only small things with great love - Mother Teresa
Mine go in and out as they please too. Never had an issue.
Lillian
Tall Holly
True Blue Farmgirl
2305 Posts
Holly
Worcester
Vermont
USA
2305 Posts
Posted - Dec 27 2010 : 09:20:04 AM
We let our chickens go out adn in as they will. We have had a few chickens loose part of a toe but who knows how old these birds were. We have had chickens for close to thirty years.
Another cold weather question
Posted - Dec 22 2010 : 06:08:28 AM
