Top 10 Winter Care Tips for Your Chickens: Keeping Your Flock Healthy and Warm

Winter Care Guide for ChickensWinter can be a challenging time for chicken owners, as colder temperatures and shorter days mean that extra care and attention are needed to keep your flock healthy, happy, and warm. Just like us, chickens need a bit more TLC during the winter months, so here’s a comprehensive guide from Manning's Feed and Seed to help you through the season.

1. Provide Adequate Shelter and Insulation

A cozy coop is essential for protecting your chickens from harsh winter weather. Make sure your coop is well-insulated to keep out drafts but still has enough ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to respiratory issues. Adding extra bedding like straw, pine shavings, or hemp bedding from Manning's Feed and Seed will provide additional insulation and help your chickens stay warm.

2. Use a Heat Lamp – But Be Cautious

While chickens are quite resilient to cold weather, adding a heat lamp can be beneficial during extremely low temperatures. If you decide to use one, ensure that it is securely fastened and at a safe distance from any flammable materials. Make sure it’s out of reach from your chickens to avoid accidents. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of a power outage.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your flock’s behavior; if they huddle together tightly, it may be a sign that they need a bit more warmth. But if they are active and moving around, they’re likely comfortable.

3. Increase Their Food Intake

Chickens burn more calories in the winter to keep themselves warm, so it's important to increase their food intake during this season. Provide them with high-quality feed, such as Kalmbach Poultry Feed, available at Manning’s Feed and Seed. Consider supplementing with cracked corn or scratch grains to give them an extra energy boost. Always offer plenty of fresh water, and ensure it doesn’t freeze over – using a heated waterer can be helpful.

Pro Tip: Manning’s is running a special on all Kalmbach poultry feed this winter—stock up now!

4. Offer High-Protein Treats

Supplementing their diet with high-protein treats like mealworms, scrambled eggs, or sunflower seeds will help your flock stay warm and maintain their health. This added protein will give them the energy needed to combat the cold and keep up with egg production. Manning's Feed and Seed carries a wide range of treats, including protein-rich options that your flock will love.

5. Free-Range Considerations

If your chickens are free-range, you may notice that they won’t have much to graze on during the winter months. The grass is dormant, and insects are scarce, so they’ll rely heavily on the food you provide. Be sure to offer them plenty of feed to make up for the lack of natural foraging. Tip: Scatter some feed in different areas around their run to encourage them to stay active, even when it's chilly outside. Additionally, stop by Manning’s to pick up seed for growing green grazing to keep your birds nourished over the winter.

6. Keep Their Water From Freezing

Hydration is crucial, even in winter. If you don’t have a heated waterer, consider using rubber bowls, which can be easier to remove ice from. Another trick is to place warm water in their waterers in the morning and evening to help prevent freezing. Check water levels regularly to ensure they always have access to fresh, unfrozen water. Manning’s also offers heated waterers to help prevent freezing and save you time during those frigid mornings.

7. Protect Their Comb and Wattles

Cold weather can cause frostbite, especially on the combs and wattles of your chickens. To prevent this, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to these areas on especially cold days. This will act as a barrier against the chill and help protect sensitive skin.

8. Encourage Activity and Exercise

Chickens naturally huddle together to stay warm, but it's important to encourage movement to prevent them from becoming too sedentary. Hang a cabbage or lettuce head from a string to create a fun, interactive treat that keeps them moving. This not only helps them stay warm but also prevents boredom during the long winter months.

9. Keep an Eye on Their Health

Regularly monitor your flock for any signs of illness, such as sneezing, coughing, or lethargy. Cold weather can weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to respiratory infections. Make sure to act quickly if you notice any health issues, and consider consulting a veterinarian if necessary.

10. Avoid Overcrowding

While it might be tempting to cram all your chickens into a smaller space to conserve heat, overcrowding can lead to stress, aggression, and even disease. Ensure your flock has enough space to spread out and roost comfortably, even during the coldest nights.

By following these tips and stocking up on all the essentials from Manning's Feed and Seed, you’ll be well-prepared to keep your flock happy and healthy throughout the winter months. Be sure to check out our Winter Stock-Up Sale on feed, bedding, and more, and keep an eye on our blog for more tips and tricks!