Winter can be a difficult time for a small flock of chickens. There are several things you can do for them that will make things a little less difficult for both you and the chickens.
Wateris the biggest concern for chickens. In general, they drink about 2 pounds of water (about a liter) for every pound of food they eat. Water is important for healthy digestion, temperature regulation and also for egg production, as an egg consists of more than 70% water. Unfortunately, as will be discussed later, chickens also excrete a lot of water in their feces, which can be a problem.
Chickens should have fresh water at least daily. Heated bases for walkers are available. Other methods have also been used to keep water thawed. Heat lamps are often hung above the water tank. Highly insulated water tanks are available that will keep the hot water frozen for several hours. If none of these are available, fresh water should be provided to the chicks twice daily. Rubber pans can be useful so that the ice can be removed easily without damaging the pan. Another option that is often used is to have two walkers so that one can be swapped and the other brought in to thaw.
Chickens need a significant amountfeed, especially to keep warm in cold conditions. Energy-rich foods such as grains and oilseeds (corn, sorghum, sunflower seeds, etc.) can be supplemented to provide extra energy. However, you need to be a little careful and not overdo this as nutrient imbalances can occur. Excess energy can increase the risk of feather pecking. If this starts, it is best to stop taking the supplement and rely on a balanced whole diet. Many people also like to give some plant material to their chickens in the winter. This can help keep the chicks active throughout the day. Leafy hay, root vegetables, squash, pumpkins, etc. can be used for this purpose.
Ventilationis very important for chickens all year round. As mentioned earlier, chickens drink a lot of water and excrete moist feces. This moisture can be a problem if ventilation is not sufficient. Wet litter produces ammonia, which can be harmful to the chickens and to you. Even fairly low ammonia levels can be irritating to chickens and to the chicken owner. Humid conditions can also increase the incidence of respiratory diseases.
The challenge for a herd owner is to balance the need for ventilation with the desire to retain some heat in the stable. There is an ongoing debate about the need for heat in a chicken coop. A large number of chicks will jointly produce sufficient body heat, so that additional heat is probably not necessary. A smaller herd cannot do this and many people want to provide a heat source. Without any added heat, the chickens will be very uncomfortable, egg production will decrease significantly, feed consumption will increase, and the likelihood of frozen tissue will increase. However, safety is an important point of attention and is often cited as a reason for not supplying heat. Chicken coops are dusty and chickens can knock things over, especially if disturbed. Great care must be taken to shield any heat source and keep it clean and safe.
Regardless of whether heat is supplied or not, ventilation remains important. At the very least, there should be an open space so that fresh air can come in and stale, damp air can go out. A window can be left slightly open, or a vent can be added to the top of the house. Ideally, air has an inlet and an outlet, so that some air movement can be achieved in the home without drafts.
Reliefis another important factor for winter. Chickens usually lay eggs when the days are long (in spring and early summer), then molt and stop laying eggs when the days start to get short in the fall. Although much selective breeding has been done to improve overall egg production, short days will still significantly reduce egg production. If artificial lighting is used to keep day length at about 14 hours or more per day, chickens will generally continue to lay eggs throughout the winter. Artificial lighting traditionally begins around September 1 and continues until spring, when the natural day length is 14 hours. The light doesn't have to be too bright, and too much light can increase the appearance of pits. Light intensities of 1-3 foot candles are usually recommended. An old rule of thumb is that the light should be just bright enough to read a newspaper.
If incandescent bulbs are used as a heat source, it may be more important to leave them on 24 hours a day. While this is not optimal for maximum egg production, it may be a necessary trade-off versus 14-15 hours of light and 9-10 hours of extreme cold.
Adding a deep layer of bedding can help insulate the floor and keep the coop a little warmer. Any obviously wet areas of litter should be removed, but dry litter can be left all winter and cleared away in the spring.
Forest securityshould not be neglected in winter. Many predators will be hungry and looking for a chicken dinner. Air inlets and outlets should be covered with heavy-duty wire or mesh to keep out predators and pests. Raccoons and other predators can squeeze through fairly small holes, so make sure they are properly sealed.
Rodents and wild birds may also be looking for a warm place to stay and an easy source of food. Stored food should be kept in rodent-proof containers and feeders should not be accessible to rodents or wild birds. Preventing these pests is important for good biosecurity.
In the longer term, herd owners may want to consider choosing a breed that is better suited to cold conditions. Chickens with smaller crests and combs are less likely to suffer from frostbite. Breeds with crests and feathered feet may have problems with ice and snow accumulation on these feathers, so those wishing to breed these breeds should adjust their husbandry accordingly. For example, nipple drinkers can keep crested chicks from getting ice on their combs. Loose-feathered species may also be better insulated and able to withstand the cold better than species with very tight feathers.
With a little planning it is possible to keep a flock of chickens through the winter and the chickens should be able to handle it well.
