Chickens might cope better with the British weather than we do, but they still need help staying comfortable through the year. In this guide to weather protection for chickens, we’ll cover practical ways to shield your flock from the elements in every season. From keeping them warm and dry in the winter to ensuring they have shade and ventilation during summer, good weatherproofing matters all year round.
We’ll explain how to adapt your chicken coop and run for hot, cold, wet and windy conditions, with practical advice for both new and experienced keepers. You’ll also discover handy accessories like run covers, wind breaks and coop heaters that can make life easier for you and safer for your hens.
Cold weather: Keeping chickens safe in winter
Winter can be tough for chickens. While most breeds tolerate cold air, problems arise when dampness, draughts or frost set in. A few sensible precautions will help your flock stay healthy throughout the colder months.
Start with the coop. Make sure it is dry and draught-free but still well ventilated. Adding insulation to the roof or walls can help, but it’s even more important to keep moisture under control. Wet bedding combined with cold air is a recipe for respiratory problems, so clean out droppings regularly and ensure bedding stays dry. Using a deep litter method over winter can also help retain warmth.
Hens are hardy and usually will not need heating in the coop during cold weather. They will huddle together on perches for warmth or nestle in the straw. Below -5°C (23°F) healthy, fully feathered chickens will cope well, but older birds, small breeds like Silkies, or those with health issues may benefit from additional warmth. Below -10°C (14°F), or during prolonged sub-zero temperatures, it’s wise to provide a safe heat source, especially overnight. Frostbite on combs and wattles becomes more likely, and egg production may drop. If you have a mobile coop, consider moving this to a sheltered part of your garden. A gentle infrared heat bulb or panel heater can help maintain a more stable coop temperature without causing overheating. However, they should be used cautiously and monitored for safety.
Outside the coop, winter can make runs muddy and unpleasant. One of the best ways to protect chickens in bad weather is to cover part of the run. A clear plastic chicken run cover, like those from Omlet, is ideal. It keeps out rain and snow while letting sunlight in, helping the ground stay drier and warmer. These covers are easy to fit, durable and come in different sizes to suit your setup.
Hot weather: Providing shade and ventilation in summer
Chickens are more vulnerable to overheating than they are to the cold. In a heatwave, hens can suffer from heat stress, which may reduce egg laying and even become life-threatening. Shady areas and good airflow are essential during warmer months.
Ensure the coop is well ventilated. You can prop open vents or install mesh panels on warmer nights to allow for extra airflow, while still keeping predators out. If the coop gets too warm during the day, consider placing frozen water bottles inside to help lower the temperature.
In the run, provide ample shade. Natural shade from trees or shrubs is excellent, but where this isn’t possible, a run cover or sunshade is a practical alternative. Omlet’s heavy-duty covers not only protect from rain, they can also block harsh sunlight when positioned on the roof or side of a run. Move them as needed to keep shade in the right place throughout the day.
Always ensure a constant supply of cool, clean water, and scatter treats like melon or cucumber to help keep birds hydrated.
Wet weather: Shelter from rain and mud
British weather is notoriously wet, and soggy conditions can quickly make the chicken run a mess. Hens don’t mind the rain for short periods, but prolonged exposure can chill them, and muddy runs are not only unpleasant but can cause foot problems like bumblefoot.
To manage this, cover at least part of your run to keep the ground dry. A clear plastic cover works well here too, as it allows light in while stopping the rain. In particularly exposed areas, consider adding a Clear Wind Break Kit. Designed by Omlet to attach to chicken fencing, this thick plastic panel blocks wind and rain while still letting in daylight. It creates a dry, sheltered corner where chickens can huddle in bad weather, especially when free-ranging.
If the ground gets boggy, add a layer of woodchip or coarse sand to improve drainage and give your hens something dry to scratch at. Avoid straw or hay outdoors, as these can go mouldy quickly.
Windy conditions: Creating calm in exposed spaces
Even if it’s not cold or wet, strong wind can stress chickens and cause discomfort. If your garden is exposed, windproofing is essential to give your flock a sense of security.
Start with the coop. Position it with the rear facing the prevailing wind, and use natural windbreaks like hedges or fences where possible. Inside, avoid placing perches directly in the path of any draughts.
In the run or free-range area, installing a wind break can make a big difference. Omlet’s Clear Wind Break Kit is a great option. It measures 1.2 x 2 metres and can be attached to chicken fencing using bungees, velcro, and guy ropes to hold it taut. It’s especially effective when positioned at corners, offering a sheltered zone for your hens to retreat to when the wind picks up.
Year-round protection: Simple upgrades with big benefits
A well-protected coop and run means less stress for your hens and fewer problems for you to deal with, whatever the weather brings. Some simple year-round upgrades include:
- Raised coops to stay above waterlogged ground
- Plastic roof covers for keeping runs drier
- Wind breaks for shelter on gusty days
- Ventilation panels to improve airflow in warm weather
- Insulated coop walls or deep litter bedding for winter warmth
- Infrared bulbs for extra heat in cold snaps
With these strategies in place, your chickens can thrive all year long – even when the weather doesn’t.
Looking for a coop cover? You can find covers, including those specially created for Omlet Eglu coops, at the Omlet website. Alternatively, Amazon sells more general-purpose coop covers.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Kevin O’Hara got his first chickens back in 1972. A backyard chicken keeper based in Yorkshire, he created of KeepingChickens.uk back in 2012. With years of hands-on experience, he shares practical, UK-specific advice to help others care for happy, healthy hens. Learn more about Kevin on the author page.
