I’ve been wondering how much of the hens’ new tendency to fort up was driven by the oppressions of the Dread Tyrant Upgrayedd, and how much by the chilly weather.
It’s beginning to look like it was the rooster. The past two warm afternoons found them foraging in their yard like normal. Now the temp’s still in the low forties as of 8:30, but the ladies have exited the chicken house and are amenable to hand-outs. Maybe with Upgrayedd in the freezer we’ll get back to what passes for normal with them.
Last winter was my first with chickens. As I have said before, I live in North Dakota. I was worried about their well being, but I need not worry, they do not give a whit about cold temps. They would run around as though it was summer, if the snow was not too deep. Had to look out for frozen eggs though.
These didn’t either, last winter. But they took to pulling one another’s feathers out, and now the smallest could practically be stewed without plucking. Not sure they’re quite as cavalier about winter this time around.