Inside the coop, it is warm and dry. There is a heat lamp turned  on 24 hours a day in the winter to give the hens some warmth – they rarely need that – and to give them enough light to encourage them to lay eggs. This morning, the three Brahmas were up and walking around, the Rhode Island Red was still in the roost. The White Hen still chases her away from the food once in awhile.

We put fresh corn meal in their feeder twice a day, along with a water bowl, we change the hay two times a week. If the hens look out and see snow, they won’t come out of the coop.  They’ll stay in there for days until they see ground. I’m thinking of getting some guinea hens, they sleep in the trees and bushes. Guard hens.