Chickens are remarkably adaptable to a range of conditions. Most chicken owners worry about them more during the summer months when the heat can lead to bacteria thriving in your chicken coops. Migrating birds can also pose a risk.
When the temperature starts to dip, another threat might present itself. With the weather becoming more wild and unpredictable, we’re seeing the temperature dip lower and more extreme weather like rain storms.
To help keep your chickens toasty warm and comfortable all year round, follow these tips for protecting your flock.
Raise the coop off the ground
The simplest way to protect your chickens from the elements is to raise their coop so they are roosting away from the cold ground. This will keep them warmer in winter and cooler in summer as it will also help to boost airflow.
You can achieve this by simply placing the coop on a stack of old pallets or using simple decking to create a barrier between the ground and the coop.
Add some wood shavings
Wood shavings are a cost-effective way to boost the insulation in your chicken coop and keep your birds happy. You can either pack the bottom of the coop with wood shavings before adding their bedding material, or you can use the wood shavings underneath the coop to provide some insulation between the ground and the coop.
Feed before bed
One simple yet highly effective way to keep your chickens warm is to offer feed before bed time. Late night snacks will keep the birds active as the temperature falls and this can help to keep them warm during the coldest part of the night.
Offer additional hay
Winter is the perfect time to increase the amount of hay in your chicken’s coop. Keep layering up the hay to help improve the bacterial biome.
Start with a thin layer and allow your chickens to pat this down and add their droppings. Add another thin layer and keep adding it to create an insulating layer that will also help to keep your chickens healthy throughout the winter months.You can also layer up the hay around the edge of the coop to keep the rain and snow out.
Add an extra waterproofing layer
A tarpaulin or waterproof cover over the top of your coop will help to eliminate the chance of any leaks, which will help to keep the residents warm and dry. This also helps to trap the heat generated by your chickens and will keep them nice and warm inside.
Make sure this extends down the side of the coop so that horizontal rain and snow flurries won’t be able to get inside the coop. It will also prevent cold breezes.
Invest in a heater
A specialist chicken coop heater might be suitable in the most extreme weather. These usually hang from the roof and provide radiating heat. If you decide to add a heater to your chicken coop, be careful during the installation process and make sure that you understand the risks. Chicken coops present a unique fire hazard due to the construction and the dry bedding material.
Final thoughts on keeping chickens warm in winter
If you’re concerned about the temperature inside your chicken coops in winter, consider adding a thermostat so you can see if it is getting too cold.
Chickens are actually more resilient than you might expect, so with the right insulation and some additional waterproofing, you can usually keep your flock comfortable and cosy, even as the snow is falling. Investing in a quality coop is a great place to start, as this will help to keep them warm and out of the elements.
