Winter Chicken Care andBuilding Chicken Coops

In cold weather chickens require extra care. Chickens are hardy animals, and can withstand cold temperatures and climates. Usually mature chickens aren’t bothered by temperatures slightly above freezing.

Their body fat and dense, waterproof feathers keep their body temperature constant. However, when temperatures drop to freezing and below, a few extra precautions are necessary to ensure the chickens are safe and comfortable.

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A small heater pointed at their water source is necessary even in above-freezing temperatures. This keeps the ice from forming over their water and provides a more enviting water source. Chickens depend on hydration just like any other animal, and would suffer under dehydration.

A heating light works well and offers less risk than an electric heater which might spark a flame due to dry shavings, hay or other matter on the floor of the chicken coop. Set up the heat lamp so it hangs above the water trough or pan. This inexpensive tool can be picked up at the hardware store and will save your chickens from possible dehydration.

Additionally, install a heat lamp over the chicken roost in below freezing temperatures. The heat lamp rays should be wide enough to cover the entire length of the chicken roost.

This is an important step in building a chicken coop, because the chickens will only roost at night, rather than gathering around a heat lamp you may have set up on the floor for the water source. Adding a heat lamp over the chicken roost will ensure all your chickens have a safe and comfortable night in below freezing conditions.

At the same time, make sure when your are building a chicken coop that the roost is draft free. The drafts can cancel out any benefits of the heat lamp you have invested in and lead to the chickens freezing overnight. When planning your chicken coop, use close fitting boards and make sure no drafts enter from ceiling vents. Prevent drafts from the floor by using solid construction techniques. Above all, check your chicken coop often in winter months for drafts by spending some time inside. You should patch walls as needed to make sure the chicken coop is insulated.

Another tip for caring for chickens in cold weather is to use a fattier feed. Chickens need to build up a layer of fat to help them stay insulated from the cold. Try adding a wild birdseed block that is high in fat. Also adding seed like sunflower seed that is high in fat will boost the fat content of the feed.

Additionally, don’t forget that predators are even higher risk in winter due to less food sources. Protect your chickens in winter by making sure the fencing of the run is in good repair.

Make repairs on your chicken coop as needed to block any entrance by a predator. Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire as it can be too flimsy. Predators can squeeze through small spaces so make sure your ventilation covers are small-mesh and very sturdy. Get a lock for your latch as predators can be skillful in opening latches.

These simple tips for caring for chickens cold weather will make a big difference to your chicks, laying hens and roosters. By protecting the water source from freezing, using heat lamps for the chicken roost, good building techniques and chicken coop insulation, and adding a fattier feed, you can avoid problems for your chickens in winter.

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The  the ultimate guide to planning and building your own coop in your backyard. In includes drafts of plans, dimensions, materials lists and sources to everything you need to build a sustainable chicken coop.