How to Keep Chickens in the Winter
If this is your first winter with your new feathered friends, it’s understandable to be worried about whether there are certain measures to take to ensure their continued health when the snow comes and the temperature drops below freezing. They may be covered in beautiful feathers, but it doesn’t stop them feeling the cold – which is why we at Cotswold Chickens have devised this ‘how to’ guide, to ensure that your chickens are happy all year long.
Step One: Check the Coop
‘Home sweet home’ is a saying we commonly refer to when speaking of our own abode and like us, chickens do not like cold drafts blowing through their home. To prevent feathers being ruffled, check the coop thoroughly for any drafts and leaks. To increase your chicken’s comfort we always recommend that you invest in a premade coop which is water tight, rather than trying to make one yourself. You don’t need heat pumps to keep them warm, just a well-built chicken coop.
Top Tip: If you have an old piece of carpet lying around the house, cover it in plastic and secure it to the roof of your chickens’ coop. This acts as extra insulation and ensures that drafts and leaks are avoided.
Step Two: Prevent Frostbite
Chickens are more affected by the heat than the cold, yet the one concern which plagues many chicken keepers is frostbite. To prevent your chickens from getting frostbite there are a few steps to take. The first is to add extra straw in the coop, so that your chickens have something to snuggle down into. The second is to clear out daily any droppings, so your chickens remain happy.
Top Tip: Place Vaseline on the ear tips, wattle and comb to prevent frostbite.
If you need a little guidance on how to keep your chickens happy all year round then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Cotswold Chickens. We are always happy to help, and we have a vast selection of chicken coops which are ideal for the upcoming winter months. Visit our website for more information.
Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
