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.
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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!