Cover the floor?

adell · **Joined:** Sun May 27, 2012 4:43 pm **Posts:** 3

Would I be best with the cold weather to cover the floor of the coop with straw to help keep the hens warm? I have the straw in the nest boxes and the sleeping quarters but the ground in so cold

wickedwings · **Posted:** Mon May 28, 2012 9:38 am

If you have the sleeping area warm and secure, and there is some room for them to move in there during the day, then they will be fine. They do have feathers for a reason; pick one up on a cold day and you might be surprised how warm she is. The better thing to do would be to warm them internally, that is, make sure they have enough to eat, perhaps give them some high energy treats like cracked corn, grain etc... so they produce more energy. I like to give them a few handfuls of grain at the end of the day so they sit and digest it overnight to keep them warm. Try it yourself, not a handful of grain, but I know I sleep a lot warmer at night after a substantial dinner rather than a small snack. Some people like to give them a warm mash or porridge in the morning to start the day. If you peruse the forum you'll find more suggestions of what people are feeding their chooks.

adell · **Joined:** Sun May 27, 2012 4:43 pm **Posts:** 3

Thanks so much I guess I am a worry wart I will try the corn idea and see if they look warm in the mornings

Thanks again

adell · **Joined:** Sun May 27, 2012 4:43 pm **Posts:** 3

I decided on fresh white sand they say it is good for them for minerals and general health

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