How long can I keep them cooped up?

We had 6 inches here, about 5 inches more than we usually get on the rare occasions that it does snow. As of this AM we still had 4.5 inches on the deck. The top 1/2 inch is ice. There's been no school all week. We were just able to get out of our subdivision yesterday. 1st time since Sunday. I know 6 inches isn't much to northerners, but they have equipment to handle this situation and we sure don't. They are using front end loaders to plow the roads!

We had the chicken run covered with a shade cloth which held the snow and collapsed the run. Didn't even thing about taking it off, such an idiot I was! I've order parts to fix the run, but they won't be here before we leave for FL on Sunday (MIL is having cataract surgery and we'll be there about 2 weeks.) The 5 girls are stuck in their 4x6 ft coop. They've been ok with it since it is so cold (17 last night) and everything is snow covered. But it should melt soon and they are going to get restless. My son is going to take care of them while we are gone. Do you think they will survive without killing each other for 2 weeks? We have been trying to fix the run, but can't find anything here. Trying 2 more places tomorrow.

Unless they are really without room to move about freely there should be no problem. They all know each other and I would not personnaly hesitate to leave them cooped up for a couple weeks, unless as I say they are really wanting for room...Hay

Thats what I hate about shade cloth and some of the tight knitt netting.

Your coop provides 24 sq' which should be ample for five friendly hens.

Thanks for the reassurance. They'll be staying in until we get back. I'll have to call and bug my son to make sure he gives them afternoon/evening treats each day to keep them busy.

Get them a flock block to pick at

Great news. Went to Tractor Supply and the manager gave us the connectors for the corners. DH used duct tape for the one gate post and it is holding. We have the gate connectors on order. I am so happy and so are the girls. When we get back, we'll have to put up a chicken wire roof. Anyway - kudos to Tractor Supply. If you have one near you, I recommend going there... We bought the kennel (chicken run) there in March.