Winter Weather Feeding grit, but in winter when the ground is frozen or covered in snow, it becomes an essential part of their diet.
• Make sure grit is available free choice( having it available at all times) so birds can consume it as needed.
Add Digestive Supplements
Probiotics and other digestive supplements can help keep poultry’ s gut flora balanced and healthy. This is particularly useful in winter when birds are more prone to stress due to cold and confinement, which can impact their digestive health.
Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to waterers( around 1 tablespoon per gallon) is believed to aid digestion and support a healthy gut. This practice is often used by poultry keepers to keep birds healthy, particularly during stressful periods. In addition to grit, which helps birds properly digest fiber foods that are common in winter diets, like grain and scratch, other digestive supplements are:
• Oregano Oil: Known for its natural antibacterial properties, oregano oil can support digestion and help reduce harmful bacteria, especially beneficial in the winter when birds may be more confined.
• Garlic: Adding garlic powder to feed or fresh garlic to water can boost immune support and help maintain good gut bacteria.
• Electrolytes: In the colder months, birds can sometimes drink less water. Electrolytes can keep them hydrated and support nutrient absorption.
Feeding Strategies for Cold Weather Feed Early and Late To ensure your birds have plenty of energy throughout the day and night, try feeding them first thing in the morning and offering another feeding in the late afternoon or evening. The morning feed provides energy for the day, while the evening feed helps them stay warm overnight.
Free-Choice Feeding
Allowing your birds to eat free choice can help ensure they’ re getting enough calories during the winter. Birds will naturally eat more when it’ s cold, so make sure their feeders are always stocked, and consider switching to a higher-energy or winterspecific feed if necessary.
Avoid Moldy or Spoiled Feed
While it’ s tempting to offer stored grains or feed during winter, it’ s critical to ensure it hasn’ t spoiled. Moldy feed can cause serious health issues in poultry, including respiratory problems and digestive upset. Always check feed for freshness, especially if it has been stored for long periods.
Feeding poultry in winter requires some adjustments to ensure your flock stays warm, healthy and productive. By boosting energy through increased calories, providing whole grains for slowburning heat and supporting digestion with probiotics and grit, you can help your birds thrive during the cold months. With proper care and a well-balanced diet, your poultry can not only survive but also continue to thrive, laying eggs and growing strong, even when the weather outside is frightful.
About the Author
Alexandra Doss has been working with poultry for over 18 years. Known as the Quail Lady, as Coturnix quail was her first specialty on her selective breeding operation, Stellar Game Birds, Poultry, Waterfowl LLC in Florida. She has written two books on Coturnix husbandry. She and her husband focus on breeding heritage animals and breed preservation.
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