Advice For Keeping Chickens In Winter

Advice For Keeping Chickens In Winter

With colder weather on the way, now is the time to prepare your coop and routine for winter. Chickens are hardy birds, but they still need some help to stay warm, well-fed and healthy during the coldest months. This guide explains everything you need to know about keeping chickens in winter, including tips on diet, housing, lighting, and protecting them from frost and snow.

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Feeding chickens in winter

Cold weather increases chickens’ energy needs, so they tend to eat more in winter. You may notice they consume around 10% more layers pellets than usual to help maintain body heat. Always make sure fresh food is available throughout the day.

To supplement their diet:

• Offer greens, especially if they’re not free-ranging
• Give a small amount of mixed corn or cracked maize in the evening, which is thought to boost their body temperature overnight as it takes longer to digest
• Avoid overfeeding treats, which can lead to imbalance or reduced egg production

Ensure grit is also available, as it’s essential for digestion, especially when greens and natural forage are limited.

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Preventing frozen water

Access to fresh, unfrozen water is crucial for keeping chickens hydrated and healthy. When temperatures drop below freezing, water drinkers can ice over quickly.

To prevent this:

• Use a heated poultry drinker base or waterer with built-in frost protection
• Alternatively, check and replace water several times a day
• Keep a spare drinker indoors so you can quickly swap out a frozen one

Never add salt or antifreeze to their water, as both are harmful to chickens.

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Keeping chickens warm in winter

Chickens are well equipped for cold weather, but they rely heavily on roosting together to share warmth. Make sure:

• Every bird has access to a dry, draught-free roosting perch
• Perches are wide enough for them to cover their toes with their feathers
• There’s enough space to huddle comfortably — hens fluff up and take more room than usual

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Coop insulation and draught protection

Keeping chickens warm in winter doesn’t mean sealing the coop tight — ventilation is essential.

Avoid blocking air vents, as stale air can lead to a build-up of ammonia and increase the risk of respiratory illness. Instead:

• Check the coop is draught-proof but still allows air to circulate
• Add cardboard panels to walls and roof as temporary insulation
• Use straw or hemp bedding on the floor for warmth and easy cleaning

Position the coop so it’s sheltered from northerly or easterly winds, ideally backed by a wall or hedge.

If temperatures fall well below zero, you can use a safely mounted infrared heat lamp, placed high enough that chickens can’t touch it. A thermometer inside the coop helps avoid overheating.

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Lighting for egg production

Chickens lay fewer eggs in winter, largely due to the shorter days. Their laying cycle is triggered by daylight, with most hens needing around 14 to 16 hours of light to stay productive.

To support egg production:

• Use a low-wattage bulb on a timer to extend daylight hours in the coop
• Position lights to reflect off the roof, avoiding direct glare on the birds
• Consider solar-powered garden lights as a cable-free option

Never use candles, oil lamps or other open flames, as these are fire hazards.

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Protecting chickens outside in cold weather

While chickens may be reluctant to go out in the snow, they will still enjoy foraging and movement during daylight hours. Keeping them active is important for their physical and mental health.

Tips for keeping chickens safe outdoors:

• Apply petroleum jelly to combs and wattles to help prevent frostbite
• Add a roof or polythene cover to the run to keep out snow and rain
• Spread straw or woodchip on frozen ground to protect their feet
• Clear away snow regularly to prevent them slipping or becoming wet and chilled

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Winter chicken care checklist

• Provide plenty of high-quality feed and fresh greens
• Ensure constant access to unfrozen water
• Check roosts are dry, secure and big enough for all birds
• Maintain ventilation without allowing draughts
• Add straw and cardboard for insulation
• Consider extra lighting for egg production
• Keep the run dry and protect extremities from frost

With the right setup, your chickens will remain healthy, happy and laying throughout winter.