BEDDING
Winter Bedding Blueprint
Creating a Cozy, Healthy Coop for Cold Months
By Alexandra Doss
As temperatures drop, keeping a warm and healthy environment within poultry coops becomes critical for flock well-being. Cold stress can affect poultry health, affecting growth rates, feed efficiency and egg production
While coop insulation plays a role in temperature control, bedding is an equally crucial factor that regulates moisture, temperature and hygiene within the coop, and some bedding options are more suitable for winter than others. By comparing their insulation and moisture-absorbing properties, this can aid poultry keepers in selecting an effective bedding strategy.
The Value of Winter Weather Bedding
Winter bedding serves multiple functions, including temperature regulation, moisture control, odor reduction and providing a comfortable, stable surface for poultry. In colder climates, insufficient bedding or poor-quality materials can expose poultry to cold stress, increasing susceptibility to respiratory illnesses and frostbite. Bedding materials with high thermal insulation properties help trap heat in the coop, while absorbent materials wick away moisture to reduce the risk of ammonia buildup and bacterial growth.
32 Winter 2024 www. chickenwhisperermagazine. com