The leaves are turning, the goats have grown thick coats, and the hens are molting. Winter is on its way. This was the time of year that flocks were thinned and all hens over two years of age were harvested and canned for winter meals. The youngest hens were kept on, as were a favorite chicken or two.
This photo shows a family in Maine. It’s telling that the portrait was taken with a rooster, a hen, and a cat. No doubt that they were all loved pets.
It looks cold, doesn’t it? But you can be sure that those chickens didn’t have an insulated barn and heat lamps and did just fine! Your hens will be fine this winter, too. Shelter them in a draft-free, dry and clean coop, and keep them busy with cabbages and greens. When there’s snow and ice on the ground, shovel what you can and spread some hay so that they can step outside for fresh air and exercise. For more about how to care for chickens in cold winter weather, read my FAQ.
It feels like 2012 just rolled around and it’s already we’re already talking about winter… darn….
Thank you for posting this. I have been near panic that they wont be allright this winter ( my first with chickens) they have been in a chicken hutch all summer but we are revamping a shed for them. Door will be open for ventilation, but they will have a nice dry barrier from storms etc. love these foolish birds lol! A benefit of the shed, next spring I can get more chickens!
Lovely picture – I see my Mr Bawden is extending his Zelig-esque tentacles! I have a lovely snap of my great-grandmother with a chicken under her arm, but neither look as calm and composed as this lot!
Well you know that cat probably out lived those chickens two to one. And he/she didn’t up in the soap pot.