Winterizing the coop keeps chickens comfortable and productive through winter months
Although chickens are hardy creatures, experts agree winterizing the chicken coop and yard where birds roam is good practice for keeping chickens secure, comfortable and laying during cold winter months.
With snow already on the fly across the state of Wyoming, individuals should consider winterizing their chicken facilities as soon as possible.
The coop
As the coop is the most likely place chickens will take shelter this winter, it is critical to properly winterize the facility to prevent chilled or deceased birds.
The first step to preparing a coop for the cold is to conduct a deep clean and make any necessary repairs.
Experts at Stromberg’s Chickens suggest removing all bedding and debris from the chicken coop, then thoroughly scrubbing it down and letting it dry.
Individuals should also clean out feeders, waterers and nesting boxes and wipe down or spray with a good sanitizer.
During this time, it is also suggested individuals make any necessary repairs to the coop to ensure warmth stays in and pests and predators stay out.
“This is important because drafts will lower the temperature and make it hard for birds to warm up,” says Danielle Nater, manager of Northern Colorado Feeder’s Supply in Fort Collins, Colo. in a Backyard Poultry article.
Experts also encourage individuals to pay close attention to the roof and seams of the coop.
“Even if a predator can’t get in, little cracks and flaws in these areas can lead to a draft or snow getting into the coop, making the chickens’ home cold and miserable,” Stromberg’s notes.
Those who live in especially cold climates may also consider insulating their coop to keep as much heat in as possible. However, it is important to ensure proper ventilation, as a stuffy coop can be detrimental to chickens as well.
“The coop should also be checked for evidence of vermin, which can snack on chickens, especially during winter months when food may be scarce,” reads the Backyard Poultry article. “If vermin are found, they should be removed in whatever way the producer feels comfortable.”
Replacing bedding with certain materials will also serve as insulation for the coop.
Backyard Poultry suggests adding an extra layer of pine shavings on the floor and in nesting boxes, while Stomberg’s recommends using a thick layer of straw or wood shavings.
“Bedding should be cleaned often because the chickens will be spending more time in the house and will accumulate more feces and urine on the floor,” Nater explains. “This can freeze and be much harder to clean out over time, while also causing respiratory issues in birds.”
Lastly, individuals should have a watering plan in place in the instance of a hard freeze.
Backyard Poultry encourages individuals to leave waterers outside if possible to avoid spillage, freezing and slippery surfaces in the coop. Therefore, they may consider investing in water heaters.
“Care should be taken with heated chicken waterers to ensure the electrical wire is not showing, as chickens may peck at the shiny wire,” the article reads. “If an in-tank heater is used, the water line should never go below the heating coil, and if the heater is a sinking heater, it should be fitted with the cage to keep it from melting the bottom of the water bucket.”
The yard
Although winterizing the coop is critical, care should be taken in the chicken run and yard to prepare for snow and cold temperatures as well.
Experts agree these areas should be cleared of any trash and debris, ensuring it is set up in a location where it will receive direct sunlight during the day.
Fencing should be double-checked for holes and gaps and repaired as needed, while also ensuring it is sturdy enough to stand up to strong winds and heavy snowfall.
“Double-check fencing to ensure it’s sturdy enough to withstand winter,” Stromberg’s states. “Remember the coop is even more attractive to predators during the winter, as it means access to free warmth and shelter – and a free chicken dinner.”
The flock
In addition to the facilities, experts remind individuals they will also need to prepare their flock for winter months, as winter leads to decreased egg production and biological changes in birds.
To keep chickens productively laying, Backyard Poultry recommends fitting facilities with heat and artificial light.
Nater notes hours of daylight is a key factor to egg production, as hens need 14 to 16 hours of daylight to stimulate production. Artificial light simulates longer days, which keeps hens laying more consistently during winter months.
She recommends putting lights on a timer so they turn on in the morning and the evening.
“Put a timer on the lights so they are only on for a certain amount of time throughout the night. Also, they need to be infrared lights. If they are bright white lights and if they are on all of the time, it will irritate the chickens,” Nater says.
Heat also plays a role in egg laying.
“If the chickens aren’t warm, they aren’t going to produce eggs. They will spend all of their energy trying to stay warm instead,” notes Nater. “But, the heaters should only be used when temperatures drop below a certain level. They don’t need to be on very high or all night, just enough to keep the chickens comfortable.”
If heat or lights are installed inside a coop, it is important to keep all electrical cords and heaters out of chickens’ reach so they can’t shock themselves or start a fire.
Heat is also important in preventing frostbite, which can also be a concern for chickens.
“If they are outside for too long in freezing temperature, their combs, wattles and feet can freeze,” Backyard Poultry explains. “This is painful for birds and can decrease reproduction, especially in roosters.”
Like other livestock and outdoor pets, feeding routines may change during the winter.
Backyard Poultry experts note it is best to feed chickens later in the afternoon or the early evening because they tend to eat more at this time. This also allows chickens to fill up their crops before they nest and give them plenty to digest through the night, which will keep them warm.
It is recommended to feed chickens their normal ration, including scratch. Scraps and eggshells can also be fed.
During cold winter months, chickens may undergo molting, which some chicken owners may perceive as sickness. However, they should note this is a normal biological process for chickens, and it cannot be prevented.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
