Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Chickens in a Blizzard

“Whaaaaaa?  Whaaaaaat?  Whaaaaaat?”  is what Goldi Macaroni, Stella and Leonarda the Queen wondered when they saw snow for the first time.  This is their first winter and they had just been released from their coop after being holed up for 48 hours during a blizzard with winds up to 35 mph.  I was hoping they’d have a gentler first exposure.

Despite precautions, somehow snowdrifts (shoveled out before this pic was taken) had managaged to make their way past the boards and tarp into the run.  To cover it, I used our insulated pool cover, and an additional utility tarp over that.

Goldi stepped onto the snow, thinking it would support her weight, and was flustered and embarrassed when it gave out under her feet. 

Since their foraging time was taken away, they got a little smorgasbord of leftover rice, wilted parsley and bread crumbs yesterday.   

Miss B. ran around checking things out.


This was definitely not your typical peaceful blanket of snow.  Parts of the yard were almost untouched, while other parts had thigh-high drifts.

I was amazed to find this in the nesting box.  I only get a couple a week now.   Goldi may have stopped laying until spring.  I don’t know what’s going on with Stella – not a single egg from her yet.   If only she could explain herself.

Have you had much snow in your backyard ?

And if you have chickens, how did they fare during the snowstorm?

6 comments:

meemsnyc said...

We got 29 inches of snow! I love that speckled egg that she laid. It's gorgeous. The girls must have been really surprised by the snow!

Malay-Kadazan girl said...

The hens are so pretty. What type it is? They are really curious looking at the snow.

Eliza @ Appalachian Feet said...

Your chickens are beautiful! I love Goldi Macaroni's name and the story about her trying to walk on the snow. Hilarious. :)

mesh said...

Wendy and her bees. You and your chickens... I'm envious!

Maryann

Wendy McDonagh-Valentine said...

Our yard was the same exact way!! There was no snow on the side walkway but there were three foot snow drifts on the grass next to the fence. What a crazy storm but I LOVED IT!!! Not having to go out in it may have had something to do with that. :)

~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Mountain Walker said...

Yup, we have about 4 feet of snow in my yard and the chickens don't take too kindly to it. They pick around and generally make a fuss of not being able to venture about the fields like they could in the warmer months. We've had well below "0" several times this winter and the girls and their husbands faired just fine. Oh, well. This too shall pass.