Chickens are becoming increasingly common in suburbs, and a backyard flock can be a wonderful part of sustainable living. However, to keep your chickens healthy, comfortable and productive during the winter, it is important to provide them with proper cold weather care.
Can your chickens fend for themselves in winter?
Chickens are well adapted to survive even very cold winter weather. Their feathers provide excellent insulation and the birds can fluff their feathers to create an even warmer coat. They may even tuck their beaks or feet into soft feathers to keep bare parts warm. On sunny days the chicks will position themselves to absorb the sun's heat, and on cold nights they will huddle together in a close group to share body heat. Chickens can even lower their internal metabolism slightly to better withstand the cold.
Although all chickens can tolerate the cold to some extent, different chicken breeds have different adaptations and abilities to withstand cool temperatures. Chickens with smaller combs and less bare skin are better adapted to the cold, as are breeds with thicker feathers. Australorp, Plymouth Rock and Cochin chickens are some of the best breeds for cold winters.
Care of winter chickens
Whatever type of chickens you have, there are many simple ways to provide them with the right winter care so that they stay comfortable, healthy and happy even in the cold.
- Winter-ready Coop– Before winter arrives, repair the chicken coop to fix roof leaks and patch holes that create drafts or allow predators to enter the coop. Also repair any loose perches or sharp edges that could cause damage.
- Prepare the run for winter– In addition to winterizing the chicken coop, you need to make sure the run is safe and winterized. Fences need repairing and you can add a shelter fence to give chickens extra shelter without depriving them of outdoor activities.
- Ensure good ventilation– The humidity and fumes from a closed chicken coop and rotting feces can cause respiratory problems in chickens. Check that the coop is well ventilated, with an airflow over the coop to help purify the air.
- Deepen the bedding– A thicker layer of wood shavings, coarse sawdust or straw helps insulate the chickens, keeps the chickens' feet dry and is easier to clean. Ideally, provide a layer of bedding 3 to 6 inches deep in the garden.
- Improve lighting– If you trust your chickens to be productive layers, they may need 10-14 hours of light per day. Make sure windows aren't blocked by snow and consider adding extra light if necessary. Timed lighting is a simple, hassle-free option.
- Provide enough space– When all your chickens are seeking shelter from the cold, make sure your chicken coop is large enough and has enough perches for each bird. If the birds are overcrowded, they can become aggressive, lose productivity and risk health complications.
- Provide outdoor seating- Even on cold days, chickens like to spend some time outside. Use hay bales, thick branches, log stumps, low benches or stumps for outdoor seating so the birds can get out of the snow and mud.
- Be entertaining- A chicken that is bored can be aggressive and lethargic. To prevent winter boredom, clear an area where the birds can peck and scratch in the ground, and offer them a head of cabbage or lettuce as a hanging treat to peck and play.
- Protect chicken combs- A chicken's bare comb is vulnerable to frostbite. Rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the comb to moisturize and insulate it during cold weather. This coating must be reapplied regularly in winter.
- Keep the water running– Dehydration can lead to kidney problems and loss of egg-laying productivity. Use heated bowls to keep plenty of water available for your chickens, and clean the bowls regularly to prevent contamination that could endanger the entire flock.
- Offer a snack before bed– Feed your flock a corn treat later in the evening to help increase body temperature at night. Because corn takes a long time to digest, the extra food keeps them warm for hours.
A winter trick to avoid
Many people want to protect their backyard chickens from the winter cold by installing a heat source in the garden, but this can actually be harmful to the birds. Not only do external heaters increase the risk of fire, but birds can overheat or burn if they get too close to the heater, even if it is working properly. In addition, chickens need time to get used to colder temperatures, but if their chickens are always heated, they will not develop the natural resilience. This can be especially harmful if the heating fails or there is a power outage and the birds are suddenly exposed to a sharp drop in temperature. Only in areas with extreme winters should external heating be considered, and if necessary this should be done with appropriate safety measures.
Winter can be a challenging season, but properly caring for backyard chickens doesn't have to be a challenge when temperatures drop. With the right preparation and care, your flock will be happy, healthy and productive all winter long.
