Cozy Chicks Keeping Warm
will keep it warm even when temperatures drop below freezing.
To support your chickens ' natural cold-weather defenses, make sure the roosting area is free from drafts. Chickens can take the cold so long as there is no wind.
Additionally, keep food and fresh water available at all times during daylight hours, and not frozen water! Especially during the winter, good-quality feed is important for the health and well-being of chickens. If some of your flock is still mid-molt when temperatures drop, you ' ll want to ensure they ' re getting plenty of protein so they can successfully refeather. Even after feathers are in place, ensuring your flock has plenty of protein will keep them fed and warm all season long.
Similarly, you ' ll want to keep an eye on your flock ' s water supply. Water is a key part of your chicken ' s diet. Ensuring your flock always has access to fresh water is essential. That means, in the winter, also ensuring that your chicken ' s water doesn ' t freeze. There are several options to heat your water. Make sure when you choose one that you ' re aware of any associated wires or electrical additions and that they are kept far away from bedding or other potential fire hazards.
Coop Location
Sometimes, simple fixes such as switching up your coop ' s location can make the biggest difference. Moving or transferring your coop to an area that is better protected from the cold or wind and finding a place that gets plenty of sun during the day can make a huge difference for your chickens. If you are thinking of relocating the coop, having windows facing south is critical to getting lots of sun during the day.
Passive Solar Design
To maximize heat, consider incorporating passive solar design elements into your coop. Again, having lots of windows facing south will help to warm up your coop during the day. Making sure those windows are well-insulated will help create a sun trap in your coop. Adding or building with a dark floor( or even using a deep litter method) will help increase the amount of heat your coop captures and, therefore, allow it to retain that heat for a longer period of time.
Ventilation and Drafts
While you ' re busy ensuring a well-fed flock and warm coop, there ' s one essential piece to consider for your winter-chicken care strategy: moisture. Keeping the air inside your coop dry will help prevent condensation, frostbite and respiratory problems.
Good ventilation allows humid air to escape while also drawing in fresh, dry air. To balance ventilation with avoiding bitter drafts, place vents high above roosts so that warm, moist air can rise and exit without letting in drafts that blow directly on your birds. When building your coop, or preparing it for winter, don ' t seal it too tightly; you need controlled airflow to avoid
Fall 2025 32 www. chickenwhisperermagazine. com