Nothing is as cozy and warm as your chickens in their winter chicken coop. But many flock breeders wonder how to keep chickens warm in winter. Follow our 10 Tips for Collecting Birds in Cold Weather and know that a bird's thick feathers form a natural protective coat, so most breeds are well equipped for winter without the need for a coop heater.
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about how to keep chickens warm in winter:
1. Is a heat lamp and chicken coop heater necessary?
1. Is a heat lamp and chicken coop heater necessary?There is no need to buy expensive heat lamps or a chicken coop heater for your flock. Chickens, especially cold-weather chicken breeds (see breed suggestions below), can withstand winter temperatures without supplemental heat. A chicken's body temperature is about 106 degrees Fahrenheit, and they have their own protective layer of feathers to keep them warm.
If you find it necessary to install a chicken coop heater, provide enough heat to raise the temperature a few degrees. The chickens will adapt to the cold temperature, but if it is 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the coop and 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the run, the birds will not be able to regulate their body temperature.
2. What should chickens be fed in winter?
A common myth is feeding oatmeal to birds in the winter. This is nota beneficial treat for chickens. Oats contain types of fiber that chickens cannot digest, which can thicken the contents of the digestive tract. This leads to a reduction in the bird's ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Greens are also not necessary. Chickens can pick and spread hay, but they don't eat it.
Selection of a feed layer withPurina® Oyster Strong® Systemwill keep your chickens strong and strong all winter long. Which layer does Oyster Strong nourish®Does the system suit your herd?
- Purina® Layena®-pelletsofcrumbled off– Our most popular lag feeds
- Purina® Layena® Omega-3– Contains added omega-3 fatty acids for your health
- Purina® Layena® free range– Including insect protein
- Purina® organic laying hen food– Certified USDA organic
3. How do you prevent food and water from freezing?
Consider heated water tanks and plan to feed and water your flock more often when temperatures are below freezing. Energy requirements increase in winter – animals use a significant amount of energy to keep warm and will eat more food. Complete laying hen feed contains all the energy that chickens need.The 90/10 rulestill applies in winter.Limit treats to less than 10 percentof your chickens' overall diet andgive a healthy treat, asPurina® Farm to Flock® Larvae for Women™ Chicken TreatsofPurina®Farm to Flock® Protein Mix for Chicken Treats.
4. Can chickens stay outside in winter?
Birds can tolerate snow, cold air and ice. There is very little muscle in the lower part of the bird's legs and feet. The movements are controlled by tendons that extend from the upper part of the legs to the toes.
Second, the blood entering the lower legs and feet is cooled by returning the blood to the heart. The blood that returns is therefore warmed by the blood going to the toes. The tissue receives just enough heat to prevent frostbite while providing enough oxygen to keep the system functioning. So yes, leave your chickens outside in the winter and enjoy the snow!
5. Do chickens lay eggs in winter?
The shorter winter days often indicate time for an egg-laying break. Your ladies may stop laying eggs, shedding old feathers and growing new ones. This annual delay is known as molting. The molt can last 8 to 12 weeks and you will notice a decrease in egg production. Check this one outthree tips to help your melting chickens.
Ensure continuous egg production for at least 16 hours of light per day. Use a 25 watt incandescent bulb or a 3 to 9 watt LED 100 square feet of chicken coop space on an automatic timer.
6. Do chicken eggs freeze?
Temperatures below freezing result in frozen eggs. When the egg freezes, the contents expand and the egg will crack. You should make plans to increase your trips to the nest boxes to avoid cracked eggs.
7. Should a winter chicken coop be draught-free?
Good ventilation in your chicken coop is the key to a healthy working environment and this means that you should not close your chicken coop completely. Some air must be changed to prevent ammonia formation. Open the top vents or higher windows slightly so that fresh air comes in and stale air goes out.
8. Should the winter chicken coop be dry?
While many people enjoy a tropical environment with high humidity in cold weather, your chickens will not. Moisture must be removed from the winter coop by removing any wet spots daily. Provide more ground cover than in other seasons so that the birds have a place to burrow and live comfortably.
9. Do chickens need more coop activities in winter?
Chickens will then spend more time in the gardenprovide enrichmentactivities. Tree trunks, sturdy branches, old ladders or chicken swings provide new entertainment. You can also place onePurina®Flock Block®addition to the garden for a nutritious place for your chickens to peck.
10. What are some good cold weather chicken breeds?
If you live in a very cold climate, consider a cold-tolerant chicken breed such as the Araucana, Australorp, Silkie Bantam, Minorca, Orpington, Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock, New Hampshire Red, Delaware or Wyandotte. Your chicken's thick feathers form a natural protective coat, so most breeds are well equipped for winter weather.
Now that you know how to keep chickens warm in winter, you're ready to take your flock to the next level with Oyster Strong®.Take our Feed Greatness® Challenge and receive $14 in feed coupons.
