How to care for Chickens in the winter

September 5, 2023
hens in a chicken coop

Keeping backyard chickens is a great way to get fresh eggs, learn about animal husbandry, and enjoy the company of these friendly, silly birds. However, before you get started, it is important to do your research. You will also need to provide your chickens with a safe and comfortable coop, as well as a fenced-in run where they can exercise and forage. Caring for your chickens through spring, summer and fall is pretty simple. Then comes winter.

roosters and hens on a farm in winter
winter chicken care

Chicken Care in the Winter

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Here are some tips on how to care for chickens in winter:

Chickens are quite surprisingly winter hardy. They grow a down layer of feathers that helps insulate them during the cold winter months but there are a few things to do before winter sets in to keep your flock draft free and dry all winter long.

New to Chickens and need a coop recommendation? Read this post!

chicken in coop on farm
care for chickens in winter

Chickens need a balanced diet that provides them with the nutrients they need to stay warm and healthy in the winter. While you don’t have to change your feed in the winter, it is important to make sure your flock is getting a good balance of food vs snacks.

Here are some things to feed your chickens in winter:

Not all chickens will eat the same things. Some chickens may prefer scratch grains, while others may prefer fruits and vegetables and others neither. Experiment and find what your chickens like to eat.

Winterizing your chicken run:

Just like the chicken coop your chicken run needs to be protected from winter conditions. In nearly the same way as the coop you will repeat the same steps.

Now that you know how to winterize your chicken coop and run here’s a list of the top winter hardy chicken breeds.

  1. Rhode Island Red. Rhode Island Reds are known for their cold hardiness and their ability to lay a lot of eggs. They are also relatively easy to care for.
  2. Buff Orpington. Buff Orpingtons are another cold hardy breed that is known for their gentle temperament and their fluffy feathers. They are not as prolific layers as Rhode Island Reds, but they are still a good choice for cold climates.
  3. Australorp. Australorps are a black chicken breed that is known for their cold hardiness and their egg-laying abilities. They are also relatively easy to care for.
  4. Wyandotte. Wyandottes are a hardy breed that is known for their variety of colors and their ability to lay a lot of eggs. They are also relatively easy to care for.
  5. New Hampshire Red. New Hampshire Reds are a cold hardy breed that is known for their egg-laying abilities. They are not as fluffy as some other breeds, but they are still able to withstand cold weather.
  6. Barred Rock. Barred Rocks are a cold hardy breed that is known for their gentle temperament and their ability to lay a lot of eggs. They are also relatively easy to care for.
  7. Dominique. Dominiques are a cold hardy breed that is known for their dark feathers and their ability to forage. They are not as prolific layers as some other breeds, but they are still a good choice for cold climates.
  8. Ameraucana. Ameraucanas are a cold hardy breed that is known for their blue eggs. They are not as prolific layers as some other breeds, but they are still a popular choice for cold climates because of their unique egg color.
  9. Olive Egger. Olive Eggers are a cross between an Ameraucana and a Maran. They are cold hardy and lay blue or olive green eggs. They are not as prolific layers as some other breeds, but they are still a popular choice for cold climates because of their unique egg color.

These are just a few of the many cold hardy chicken breeds available. When choosing a breed for your flock, it is important to consider your climate and your needs. If you live in a cold climate, you will want to choose a breed that is known for its cold hardiness. You will also want to consider how many eggs you want your chickens to lay. Some breeds are better layers than others and some breeds are friendlier than others.

Chickens are a relatively easy pet to care for on a homestead. Once you get them all set up they pretty much take care of themselves and are pretty content mostly happy little creatures.

Happy Homesteading!

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