If you live in an area with cold winters, you know how important it is to keep yourself warm and protected from the elements. But what about your backyard chickens? They may have feathers, but they still need help staying warm in the winter months!
Cold weather can cause some undue stress on your chickens and even cause permanent damage. Here are nine tips for keeping your chickens cozy and healthy during the coldest time of the year!
1. Choose a cold hardy breed
Not all chicken breeds are created equal when it comes to cold weather hardiness. Some breeds are better suited to cold climates than others. For example, breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Wyandottes are known for being cold-hardy. Consider choosing a breed that is adapted to your local climate to make it easier to keep them warm during the winter months. I’ve actually written an entire article on the best chicken breeds for cold environments, check it out if you have time!
2. Provide a draft-free coop
A drafty coop can be deadly for chickens in the winter. Drafts can cause chickens to lose body heat quickly, leading to hypothermia and even death. Make sure your coop is well-ventilated but draft-free. This means that there should be enough ventilation to allow moisture to escape, but not so much that cold air is blowing directly on your chickens. Insulate the coop walls and ceiling with materials like foam board or fiberglass insulation to keep the heat inside.
3. Use Deep Bedding
Deep bedding is a great way to keep your chickens warm in the winter. Not only does it provide insulation, but it also creates compost that can be used in your garden later on. Start with a layer of straw or wood shavings on the floor of the coop, and add more as needed throughout the winter. The bedding should be at least 6 inches deep to provide enough insulation. As a tip, if want some free contributions to your deep bedding, you can use pine needles or leaves.
4. Provide Roosts
Chickens naturally roost at night, and roosts can provide an additional source of warmth. Since chickens will gather together in a roost, the chickens will keep each other quite warm. Make sure the roosts are wide enough for your chickens to comfortably perch on, and provide enough space for all of your chickens to roost at the same time. Consider adding a droppings board underneath the roost to make cleaning easier. Make sure your chicken roost has three walls and a roof in order to provide maximum cold protection.
5. Use a heat lamp (with caution)
A heat lamp can be a great way to keep your chickens warm in the winter, but it can also be dangerous if not used properly. Make sure the lamp is securely fastened and cannot fall onto the bedding or chickens. Use a red or pink bulb, which is less harsh on your chickens’ eyes and mimics the natural warmth of the sun. Place the lamp at one end of the coop, so your chickens can move away from the heat if they get too warm. Check the lamp and wiring regularly to make sure everything is functioning properly and safely. As a side benefit, putting a lamp on your chickens will keep them up a little later in the winter, thus increasing egg production.
6. Provide plenty of food and water
Chickens need extra calories in the winter to maintain their body heat. Make sure your chickens have access to plenty of high-quality feed, like layer pellets or crumbles. You can also supplement their diet with scratch grains or mealworms, which provide extra protein and fat. Chicken scratch is an excellent addition to your chicken’s diet, especially in the wintertime before your chicken goes to roost. Scratch contains many fats and carbs that your chicken will be digesting all night, which will keep them warm. I wrote an in-depth article on chicken scratch vs laying pellets if you would like to check it out! Also, make sure your chickens have access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times.
Always make sure your chickens water hasn’t frozen. It’s best to completely replace their water, rather than just breaking the ice, as it will re-freeze quite fast. You can also consider a heated watering system if you’d rather not worry about replacing the water!
7. Prevent Frostbite!
Some chickens have extra large comb and wattles (Yes I’m looking at you White Leghorns!) that you’ll want to make sure aren’t getting frostbite. To protect them, you can cover their combs and wattles in petroleum jelly. In case you don’t know what a wattle is, I’ve included a picture below!
I mentioned White Leghorns because I’m kind of partial to them seeing as I was raised around them. I’ve even written an entire article on whether the white leghorn is winter hardy or not if you’d like to check it out!
8. Consider a chicken sweater (yes, really!)
If you’re really concerned about keeping your chickens warm, you can consider making or buying a chicken sweater. These little sweaters cover your chickens’ backs and provide an extra layer of insulation. They’re not necessary for all chickens, but they can be helpful for chickens that are especially vulnerable to the cold, like older chickens or chickens with feather loss.
Conclusion
Keeping your chickens warm in the winter is essential for their health and well-being. By providing a draft-free coop, deep bedding, roosts, and plenty of food and water, you can create a comfortable environment for your chickens to live in. Additionally, using a heat lamp with caution and considering a chicken sweater can provide extra warmth if necessary. It’s important to choose a breed that is adapted to your local climate to make it easier to keep them warm. Also, make sure your chickens with large combs and wattles get some extra protection with petroleum jelly. With these tips, you can ensure that your chickens stay happy, healthy, and warm throughout the winter months.