Cold Weather Care

What’s the worst part of winter for your flock? Frostbite and harsh winds are always the top two concerns for chicken keepers across the U.S. Yet, winter does not mean your flock must be confined or inactive. Like all animals, sunshine and vitamin D are crucial for your chickens. Plus, a little snow will not harm your birds; they just need a path to walk through.

Preparation and Proactive Care

Chicken keepers are often stunned they get fewer eggs in the winter. Managing winter laying for an entire season is essential and you should be grateful for any eggs during the off-season. Nutrition, an adequate coop, exercise and water management are all important factors during the winter season. In many cases, winter flock management is more difficult than summer management.

Hardy breeds

One thing to consider is having cold-hardy breeds in your flock if you live in a region that gets harsh winters. Cold-tolerant breeds, including cochins, brahmas and orpingtons, thrive throughout cold winters. Also, the larger the comb and wattles, the more likely you’ll deal with frostbite. Watch the birds when it drops below freezing as there are ways to help roosters and hens with frostbite.

Your life will be easier with breeds that can withstand lower temperatures, so stick to cold-tolerant chickens if you live in a region with frigid winters.

Preparing the coop for winter

Proper housing is likely the most important piece after you ensure your birds are cold-hardy. A flock in very cold climates needs protection from the wind and the elements to stay healthy.

Adequate shelter is how to ensure your birds are protected from the cold. A properly winterized coop should protect your birds from predators and shouldn’t need supplemental heat. It can be risky!

Draft-proofing is key: Your coop must be well-insulated to maintain a stable temperature throughout winter. A coop that allows in drafts will chill the air and prevent your birds from staying warm. Tarps work well and covering windows with bubble wrap is a solution.

Ventilation strategies: Preventing moisture buildup in the coop will also prevent frostbite issues. While the coop needs to be insulated, there should be some ventilation. Don’t overthink this as you want to eliminate the chill in the air but moisture and ammonia can quickly build up. Too much of this will lead to respiratory issues in your birds. The best place for ventilation is 24 inches above where they roost.

Be smart regarding bedding: Bedding choices that provide warmth and comfort, like straw, make a difference at night. Plus, keeping bedding dry and replacing it every few days will eliminate parasites and mold. Fill the floor with extra layers of straw as this will also help the flock stay warm.

Water management: Keep water outside if possible. Having large water containers just adds to the humidity issues in the coop. You will have to break ice layers on top of water containers throughout the winter season.

Tarps provide good protection for outdoor runs: Heavy-duty chicken run covers serve as effective windbreaks, keeping your flock’s outdoor area dry and sheltered. These covers ensure your hens remain healthy during winter by allowing natural light while protecting them from rain and snow.

When planning a chicken coop, prioritize space to prevent overcrowding, ensure shelter for weather protection and secure the area to guard against predators. Each element is crucial for a safe and comfortable environment for your chickens.

Ensuring Adequate Nutrition

Start by offering your flock extra protein-rich foods and adjusting feed to meet decreased energy needs. High protein levels will also help encourage the growth of healthy, thick plumage. Provide scratch grains or corn right before bedtime on cold days as the extra calories will help keep your birds warm at night. Many diets are also made with corn, which can be fed throughout winter.

Also, grit shouldn’t be thought of as a summer supplement. Ensuring access to grit for proper digestion isn’t just for the winter season but for the entire year.

Providing Supplemental Heat (If Necessary)

This is probably one of the most controversial topics. Plus, when it comes to electricity and heat in a chicken coop, safety is a priority.

Heat can keep your birds warm but having supplemental heat is also risky. Chicken coops and barns tragically will catch fire from heat lamps. Power outages are also another issue as birds that rely on heat may not develop the warm, thick feathers they need to withstand cold temperatures. Plus a sudden power outage could kill your flock and too much heat can also cause warm moisture to condense.

One reason supplemental heat may be necessary is if your birds are going through a heavy molt (when most chickens lose their feathers) and are vulnerable to extreme cold. As a chicken keeper, you must decide if supplemental heat is worth the risk. Chicken coop radiant heaters and panels are available at feed stores and online.

As winter’s frosty grip tightens, chicken keepers face challenges in ensuring their flocks’ well-being and productivity. From dropping temperatures and shorter daylight hours to the increased risk of illness, the colder months demand careful planning and adaptation.