Raising chickens in winter

It seems like every year the cold becomes a small source of anxiety for me … nothing specific really, just the usual problems of dealing with the cold and the difficulties it creates. Because I raise chickens year-round, I have to take extra care during the winter months to ensure their survival … and an almost uninterrupted supply of eggs. Raising chickens in winter can be challenging. Here are some tips that can help keep your flock vibrant and healthy despite cold and inclement weather.

Winter tip n. 1: Winter chicken rearing requires adequate housing for your flock. The henhouse, or the place where you keep your chickens, should be ventilated, free from drafts, and insulated if possible. My chicken coop has ventilation on three sides that I can adjust according to the time of year. During cold months, I close the north vents and keep the remaining ones open long enough to maintain a constant air exchange. This reduces excess moisture within the house created by respiration and debris. Chickens tolerate cold very well, but cold and humidity … not so well. If possible, insulate the chicken coop. Insulation works to retain heat and reduce moisture condensation. Remove damp bedding frequently … it can cause moisture-related problems under the best conditions. If possible, cover part of the trail or an area near the chicken coop where your chickens can take shelter from the elements.

Winter tip n. 2: “To heat the hen house or not to heat the hen house? That is the question!” Chickens are abundant animals and tolerate cold weather incredibly well. While heating the coop is not required, there may be times when you need to consider the option. If your flock is small, they may not generate enough body heat to stay warm, even if they are crowded together. Consider heating the coop if temperatures remain well below freezing for extended periods. Are the eggs you collect frozen? A small heat source underneath the nest boxes will help keep them from freezing and provide warmth in the coop. A south-facing window doesn’t hurt either … this provides plenty of radiant heat during the day.

Winter tip n. 3: Food and water. Refresh frozen drinkers frequently to ensure uninterrupted supply or prevent water from freezing by providing a heated fountain. There are numerous types of heated drinkers available that only turn on when the temperature drops below freezing … 32 ° F (0 ° C). Maintaining a fresh water supply should be a priority no matter what time of year. A little extra food every now and then is a good idea when the cold starts. Chickens eat more during the winter months to maintain their metabolism, and food is the fuel that generates internal body heat. I give my chickens a complete feed in the morning and cracked grains (scratch) in the evening before they are removed to the henhouse. In this way they have a full harvest that keeps their digestive system working and generating heat throughout the night.

Winter tip n. 4: Protection from combs and brambles. Chickens generally enjoy being outdoors in most weather conditions, even when it’s cold. Winter weather presents a problem unique to chickens … which is icy or frozen ridges and whiskers. Identifying frozen areas is relatively easy … they usually appear as black or very dark spots on the tips of the combs and whiskers. The spots (the damaged areas) eventually fall off as the ridges and beards heal. The best way I know of to prevent frostbite is to coat your combs and beards with petroleum jelly. This helps keep them from drying out and can reduce freezing.

Winter tip n. 5: Eggs. Egg production slows down considerably during the winter months, partly as a result of the reduced amount of sunlight reaching the land. Adding 2 to 3 hours of artificial light inside the house every day will stimulate the hens to increase egg production. A lamp with a protected cover will work. But don’t overdo it … too much light can result in grumpy chickens. Make sure to remove the eggs daily so they don’t freeze.

Follow these tips and you won’t have a problem raising chickens in the winter months.