Chickens in the garden

Today it was in the 50's in Nashville and we let the chickens out in the garden. They will scratch and peck and start turning over the soil for our spring planting. I threw some cracked corn out to give them an added incentive. The corn also gives them added protein in their died to support the hens metabolism and help them stay warm in the colder temperatures expected this week. Our hens have continued to lay for us over the winter. We supplemented their length of day by putting a brooder light in the run area which also gave them a little supplemental heat. We have had no frozen combs or waddles so far and I feel the light has helped. Gary placed a radiant heater on the back wall of the roost box. I hope it keeps the coop warm without any problems. We will see!