11 Must-Do’s for Happy Chickens in Winter Time!

As winter approaches, it’s important to ensure that your chickens stay happy despite the cold weather. Keeping chickens content during winter can be a challenge. But I have guidelines!

So, how to keep your hens happy during winter? You can ensure their happiness by choosing cold-resistant breeds to provide a cozy coop! Also, offering nutritious food, clean water, and engaging activities can help prevent boredom in winter.

Winter can cause health issues as well. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you on treating such health concerns. So grab your coop-care kit and get ready to discover the secrets to winter chicken happiness!

How to Keep Your Hens Happy During Winter? Care Tips!

Winter can be tough on feathery friends, but with a little TLC, your hens can stay happy, and healthy. They even can lay eggs properly.

Before that, But before that, you need to know about the problems that may arise. So, what is the disease in chickens in the winter?

Your chicken may have health issues such as –

Cold Stress

• Symptoms: Lethargy, huddling together, reduced activity, and droopy wings.
• Prevention: Ensure proper coop insulation, adequate ventilation, and enough space for movement. Adjust feed to increase calorie intake.

Respiratory Illnesses

• Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, gasping for breath.
• Prevention: Maintain good ventilation without drafts, prevent overcrowding, use dry bedding, and avoid stressful situations. Vaccinate as recommended by your veterinarian.

Frostbite

• Symptoms: Pale or white combs and wattles, blisters, and tissue damage.
• Prevention: Apply petroleum jelly to combs and wattles, and provide wind protection. You can also limit outdoor access in very cold weather.

Ammonia Build-up

• Symptoms: Respiratory irritation, eye-watering, reduced egg production.
• Prevention: Frequent coop cleaning, deep litter method, proper ventilation, avoiding overcrowding.

Droppings

• Increased moisture: This can contribute to ammonia build-up and respiratory issues.
• Management: Frequent cleaning, deep litter method, ensuring droppings don’t freeze and block coop ventilation.

Fowl Cholera

• Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, dehydration.
• Prevention: Vaccinate your flock, maintain good hygiene and sanitation, and control rodents and wild birds near the coop.

These are the common problems that need extra care. Now, I’ll give you a complete guideline to keep the hens having a happy winter.

11 Things to Do for Keeping Hens Happy in Winter

You can keep the chickens happy during winter with a few adjustments to their care. Here are some key things to focus on:

1. Always Choose Cold-Resistant Breeds

Choosing cold-resistant breeds is a crucial first step in keeping your hens happy and healthy in winter. These breeds are naturally equipped to handle colder temperatures with features like:

1. Thick feathers: Dense plumage provides insulation, keeping them warm even in harsh conditions.
2. Smaller combs and wattles: These fleshy appendages are more susceptible to frostbite in cold weather. Cold-resistant breeds often have smaller ones.
3. Active temperaments: Some breeds are naturally more active, generating their own heat through movement.
4. Calm personalities: Stress can impact health, and calmer breeds handle winter confinement better.

Here are some popular cold-resistant breeds to consider:

• Rhode Island Red
• Plymouth Rock
• Wyandotte
• Australorp
• New Hampshire Red
• Buckeye
• Delaware

Note: Remember that chickens usually don’t like snow. But some of them can handle the condition.

2. Prepare Your Coop

As winter approaches, it’s crucial to prepare your coop. For this, here’s what you can do –

Insulation

How do I insulate my chicken coop? Prioritize insulation to retain heat. Deep litter (6-8 inches) of straw or wood shavings on the floor helps insulate their feet. Consider adding insulation to walls and roofs. It’s by using materials like foam board, reflective bubble wrap, or even straw bales around the coop’s exterior.

Ventilation

Pay attention to ventilation! Moisture build-up and ammonia fumes can harm your hens’ health. Aim for adjustable vents high up to expel stale air without creating drafts.

Draft-proofing

Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and any openings. For this, you need to use caulk, weather stripping, or wire mesh.

Note: Don’t relocate the coop as it can make chickens stressed in the new environment. Rather you can optimize the coop setup.

3. Employ the Deep Litter Method

To employ the deep liter method, here are the steps to follow –

1. Start by removing all old bedding, droppings, and debris.
2. Choose absorbent organic materials. For example – wood shavings, shredded paper, or straw for bedding. Also, avoid slow-decomposing options like hay.
3. Spread a thick layer (6-8 inches) on the coop floor.
4. Regularly add fresh bedding (1-2 inches) every few days. It’s to encourage decomposition and maintain depth.
5. Weekly, turn and fluff the litter to aerate it and prevent moisture buildup.
6. Monitor moisture levels to ensure it’s damp but not wet.
7. Occasionally remove large manure clumps to prevent odor and pests.

Related Articles:

• When Can Chicks Go Outside
• 8 Tips on Preventing Dehydrated Chickens
• Ways to Keep Water from Freezing in Poultry Coop

4. Optimize Temperature Control

What temperature is too cold for chickens at night during winter? Chickens are all good within  40 to 45°F. So, if the limit is crossed, they fall into an uncomfortable situation.

Mostly chicks and older hens are more susceptible to cold. They can have an environment of 60 to 75 degrees F. It’s what the University of Minnesota Extension is saying.

During the winter, ensure insulation and ventilation for hens. Besides, Maximize natural sunlight exposure in the coop for warmth and vitamin D production.

In extremely cold climates, consider low-wattage heat sources. Like heat lamps or heated roosting shelves!

If humidity exceeds 60%, use a dehumidifier carefully to avoid impacting air quality and hens.

Remember, it becomes tough for hens to survive without proper heat and temperature.

Note: Aim for a consistent temperature around 50°F.

5. Light Setup During Winter

Follow these steps for setting up proper lighting for chickens during winter –

• Consider your breed’s light requirements and climate conditions.
• Assess your coop’s natural light and adjust artificial lighting accordingly.
• Use a timer for consistent light duration.
• Choose LED lights with a natural spectrum and appropriate wattage.
• Hang lights spaced near the top of the coop.
• Aim for 14-16 hours of total light per day.
• Gradually introduce and adjust the lighting.

6. Provide Ideal Feeding

During winter, your hens’ need for nutrients and energy increases to stay warm. They usually don’t like to forage during winter. So, give them enough food. Here’s what you can provide them –

Switch to Winter Feed

Choose a commercial feed specifically formulated for winter. You can add –

• Higher protein content 16-18%. It helps hens generate heat and maintain muscle mass.
• Add more fat as it provides energy during colder months.
• Balanced vitamins and minerals are crucial, too. It ensures health and egg production.
• Avoid sudden changes in diet. Gradually change the diet plan.

Supplements and Treats

As a treat, scatter scratch grains like corn or cracked wheat in the coop or run in the afternoon. Hens work to find them, increasing activity and generating warmth.

Occasionally offer a warm mash made with their regular feed mixed with water. This encourages fluid intake and provides a boost of warmth.

You can give mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, or boiled eggs. Such foods can be great as treats or protein supplements. Chopped kale, spinach, or other leafy greens provide vitamins and minerals. It’s for healthy immune function.

Note: Smaller, more frequent meals help hens regulate their body temperature better. Aim for 2-3 feedings per day.

7. Ensure Adequate Water Access

Keeping your hens hydrated in winter is important for egg production, too. Here’s how to make sure they have water even when it’s cold:

1. Heated Waterers: Get special waterers that keep the water warm for chickens. There are different types to choose from.
2. Antifreeze-free De-Icers: Use safe antifreeze products in waterers to stop them from freezing. But make sure to follow the instructions.
3. More Waterers: Put a few waterers around the coop so chickens can always find water easily. This also helps to keep the water from freezing all in one place.
4. Wrap Waterer: Wrap the waterers with materials like bubble wrap or towels. It’s to stop them from freezing, especially at night.

8. Manage Nest Boxes

To keep your nest boxes cozy and eggs safe in winter, the following tips might be helpful.

Warmth and Comfort

Use straw, hay, or shredded paper for insulation. Hang curtains over box entrances for warmth. Extend the deep litter method into the boxes for added warmth.

Egg Collection and Care

Collect eggs frequently to prevent freezing. Gradually warm cold eggs before bringing them inside. Store eggs in a cool, dry place like the fridge.

Optional Things

Consider heated mats under the boxes for extra warmth. Place fake eggs in the boxes to encourage laying. It’s a good idea that you can use for the hens during winter.

9. Establish Proper Roosting Areas

To ensure chickens’ comfort and well-being during winter, here’s how to create suitable roosts:

1. Material: Choose non-conductive materials like wood or plastic. Avoid metal roosts as they get too cold.
2. Size and Shape: Make sure roosts are wide (2 to 4 inches) with rounded edges to prevent frostbite.
3. Positioning: Place roosts higher than nesting boxes. It must be away from drafts and cold walls. Preferably nearer to the coop’s center for warmth.
4. Levels: Offer various roosting heights, as dominant hens may prefer higher spots.
5. Texture and Grip: Use rough wood or add a grip with sandpaper or non-slip liners to prevent slipping.
6. Spacing: Keep roosts at least 12 inches apart to avoid overcrowding. And it’s to ensure each hen has enough space to perch.

Note: Don’t use materials like metal or plastic that can get cold and cause frostbite. Instead, use wooden boards that are 2 x 4 or 2 x 2 inches in size.

10. Chicken Runs to the Greenhouse

Converting a greenhouse into a winter space for chickens can be helpful. But keep these points in mind:

• Make sure the greenhouse is big enough and secure against predators.
• Check that the greenhouse can support the weight of chickens.
• Ensure good airflow to keep air fresh and prevent moisture buildup.
• Watch temperatures all the time.
• As always, use the deep litter method.
• Move nesting boxes inside and keep them warm.
• Provide plenty of natural light or add supplemental lighting.
• Ensure chickens have access to fresh, unfrozen water and food inside the greenhouse.

11. Provide Enrichment Activities

You can keep your chickens busy by offering some entertainment section. I would suggest offering them boredom busters. Here are some ideas you can follow –

Here are some fun activities to keep your chickens entertained.

1. Scatter grains or treats: Hide grains like corn or oats in the litter for them to find. You can use paper bags or PVC pipes for added challenges.
2. Hang fruits and veggies: String up apples or kale for them to peck at.
3. DIY piñatas: Fill paper bags with treats and hang them for a fun surprise.
4. Fake bugs: Scatter fake bugs for them to hunt.
5. Add perches: Provide branches or ladders for them to climb.
6. Swinging fun: Hang a chicken swing for them to play on.
7. Balance toys: Offer wobble boards for them to explore.
8. Dust bath area: Fill a container with sand for them to bathe in.
9. Add herbs: Sprinkle lavender into the dust bath for a nice scent.
10. Mirrors: Place unbreakable mirrors in the coop for them to see themselves.
11. Shiny objects: Hang CDs or ornaments for visual stimulation.
12. Music: Play calming music to create a peaceful environment.
13. Seasonal fun: You can hang decorations. For example – paper chains or offer them Christmas tree branches to explore.

These are also effective in keeping chickens warm in winter without electricity. You can see the video to get more ideas to keep the hens happy in winter.

FAQs

Below I included some other related queries about taking proper care of chickens.

Conclusion

When the time is winter, ensuring the happiness of your chickens becomes essential. All you have to do is choose cold-resistant breeds, prepare the coop, give nutrition and water, and some other considerations. Using a greenhouse can help your feathered friends thrive in winter, too.

Remember, a little care and attention go a long way in keeping your hens happy. And be sure you always notice their health condition. Much better if you prepare just before the chilly winter.