Plain Talk Fight the Freeze
fresh, cooler air to enter without directly blowing on the chickens.
Another critical aspect is ensuring the coop is dry. Wet bedding, according to Hsia, can quickly freeze and cause frostbite on the feet. Regularly changing bedding, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential.
Roosting for Warmth Chickens love to roost, but did you know that roosting is critical to keeping them warm, especially their feet?
“ Proper roost design is important for chickens to stay warm,” says Hsia.“ They naturally huddle together on roosts at night, and their body heat helps keep them warm.”
According to Hsia, roosts should be wide enough for chickens to comfortably cover their feet, preventing their toes from being exposed to extreme cold. Roosts should also be positioned away from drafts and at varying heights to allow birds to choose their preferred spot.
The material of the roost also matters.“ Wood is generally preferred over metal or plastic as it doesn’ t conduct cold as readily,” she adds.
Comb and Wattle Care
General comb care in winter involves monitoring for any signs of damage or infection. Breeds with large combs and wattles, such as Leghorns and Minorcas, are more prone to frostbite.
“ Regularly inspecting combs for discoloration – pale, blue or black spots – swelling or scabs can help identify frostbite early,” says Hsia.“ If frostbite is detected, the affected areas should be gently warmed and kept clean to prevent secondary infections.”
Hsia recommends using petroleum jelly or other topical protectants on combs and wattles, especially during extreme cold weather.
“ It acts as a barrier,” she explains,“ preventing moisture from freezing on the tissue and reducing the risk of frostbite.”
Topical protectants and excellent coop ventilation are the best ways to prevent moisture buildup over time.
Winter Enrichment
Keeping chickens active during the winter, inside the coop and out in the yard or run, is important for their physical and mental health, and can also help generate body heat, says Hsia.
“ My husband likes to hang cabbage for them to peck at,” she adds.“ This encourages them to move.”
It’ s also important to provide chickens with fresh, unfrozen water as dehydration can lead to lethargy and susceptibility to illness.
Nutrition and Supplemental Heat With winter, nutrition and the elements can pose challenges for backyard flocks. Small adjustments in diet and coop management can help keep chickens safe, warm and comfortable all season long.
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