Today is day 9 of our 30 days of homesteading Q&A on the podcast where I have reached out to some of the best bloggers and podcasters in the homesteading space to answer your questions about homesteading.
Today’s question is “It’s my first year with chickens and wanted some advice on preparing for winter. Is there anything special I need to do for my birds or anything I need to pay special attention to through the winter?”
Answering today’s question is Maat van Uitert from TheFrugalChicken.com.
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Preparing Your Chicken Coop for Winter
Winter is coming, and for those with backyard chickens, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep the flock safe, warm, and healthy during the colder months. Whether you’re new to chickens or a seasoned pro, there are a few essential things to keep in mind as the temperature drops.
Seal Up Cracks (But Allow Ventilation)
One of the first things you should do is check your chicken coop for drafts. Drafts are bad news for chickens because cold air blowing directly on them can make them sick. To prevent this, look for any cracks or gaps in the coop. You can seal them with plastic, wood, or other materials that your chickens won’t try to eat (like Styrofoam).
However, don’t seal your coop so tightly that no fresh air can get in! Chickens need good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup inside the coop. Too much moisture can lead to frostbite on their combs, waddles, and feet. Good ventilation lets fresh air flow without creating a breeze that hits the birds directly. You can do this by adding vents, such as ridge or roof vents, to let air escape.
Add Extra Bedding
During the winter, your chickens will naturally fluff up their feathers and huddle together to stay warm. But they can use a little help from you, too. Adding extra bedding, like straw or pine shavings, to their nesting areas gives them a cozy spot to snuggle into when it gets chilly. Just be sure to keep it clean to avoid any moisture buildup.
- Damerow, Gail (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 424 Pages – 12/26/2017 (Publication Date) – Storey Publishing, LLC (Publisher)
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Light for Egg Production
Did you know chickens need at least 12 hours of daylight to keep laying eggs? In the winter, as days get shorter, your egg production may slow down. If you want to keep those eggs coming, you can add a light in the coop. A simple lamp set on a timer to come on for a few hours at dusk will do the trick. If you don’t have electricity in your coop, a battery-powered lamp can work too!
Feed for Energy
During the winter, chickens need a little more energy to stay warm, so giving them a balanced diet is key. You can also add some cracked corn or other high-energy grains to their diet to give them an extra boost. Chickens burn more calories in the cold, so keeping them well-fed is important.
When (and When Not) to Use a Heat Lamp
Most of the time, chickens are pretty tough and can handle cold weather well. As long as their coop is draft-free and they have food and water, they should be okay. Heat lamps are usually not necessary unless the temperature dips below zero or you have chicks that aren’t fully feathered yet. Heat lamps can be a fire hazard, so it’s best to avoid them unless absolutely needed.
Keep an Eye on Water
In freezing temperatures, your chickens’ water can quickly turn to ice. You’ll need to make sure they always have fresh water to drink, which might mean using a heated water bowl or regularly breaking the ice. Chickens need to stay hydrated, even in the winter!
Summary: Winter Chicken Care Checklist
- Seal drafts: Check for gaps and cracks but keep ventilation.
- Add bedding: Extra straw or pine shavings will keep them warm.
- Provide light: If you want eggs all winter, add extra light.
- Feed more: Give a balanced diet with some extra grains for energy.
- Skip the heat lamp: Only use if temperatures are extreme or you have chicks.
- Watch the water: Keep water from freezing, and make sure they stay hydrated.
Final Thoughts
Chickens are surprisingly resilient in cold weather, but they still need a little help from us during winter. Sealing up drafts, adding bedding, and keeping a close eye on food and water will go a long way in ensuring your flock stays happy and healthy through the cold months.
Find out more about Maat at her website and social media pages:
- Website: The Frugal Chicken: http://thefrugalchicken.com
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-xqmuUvc31J52WQVIK6gjw/feed
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thefrugalchicken
