They are built for cold and will go out in it when they get too bored. Once they find out that cold isn't a bad thing, they will get used to it. Throw some scratch or table scraps out in their outdoor yard and that will help.

It's not that simple Roberta. Many breeds are not built for the cold, and so do fare worse than others. And remember, domestic chickens derived from a tropical or semitropical species, the red jungle fowl. It'a an amazing feat of human ingenuity that we've been able to develop breeds from that species which are able to do well in the cold, but not all of them are as comfortable in winter.

Ginam, do a search for chicken or bird enrichment, and I'm sure that you'll get all sorts of suggestions. The bird seed block is a great idea. Try also hay flakes spread on the coop floor, with or without treats strewn inside, evergreen boughs scattered on the floor or hanging from the ceiling, good leafy green hay such as alfalpha in a hay rack on the wall for them to pick at, a head of cabbage suspended from the ceiling, plain or with holes drilled for treats or mealworms, plenty of hiding places, hay bale barriers work great. Whatever you do, you need to change enrichment ideas frequently, to prevent them from becoming bored with just one, and have it become just another part of the daily routine. The most important thing to do to prevent picking is to provide ample space, not adequate as described in a square footage per bird in most books, but ample, in as much as possible. Good luck.

Patrick has offered some great ideas. He is right, not all breeds can deal with this cold. I have a few Buttercups and the rooster is showing signs of frostbite on his comb. I have to keep him in when it dips below freezing.

Here in NH the temps are about 5 degrees with severe wind chills. I would rather my birds be bored a little over frostbitten.

I have found a wonderful website for chicken lovers that has a wealth of information. Follow this link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Backyard Chickens Forum

You could try hanging a suet cage like those used for wild birds in the coop. If you use hard fat scraps rather than suet cake, it will take them time to demolish it... and the fat will help keep them warm.

I've heard of people having good luck with a whole head of cabbage for them to pick at.

If you have a bale of straw, they will have fun hunting in it for stray grains. Cut one string (and remove it) and then the second string when the first part is scattered.

A little protein boost may also be beneficial. I like to feed back surplus eggs, hardboiled and mashed shell and all. My chickens also get any meat scraps going, such as the rabbit bones with scraps of meat attached. (We eat a lot of rabbit.) This also helps keep them busy.

I would assume someone in Z5 would have heavy breeds of chickens ---- they certainly withstand cold very well and in fact prefer being outside than indoors if it isn't windy. Once ours got used to the snow, the only ones indoors are the ones laying eggs or eating.

The rest are exploring and having chicken fun.

These are great ideas, all--thanks so much! I really do love my little hens and want them to have a nice rich life. They deserve it for all the nummy eggs they put out! :)