When we first decided to take the leap and get chickens, one of my biggest concerns was how well they would handle the snow. I will be honest, I am no chicken expert and we like to keep things as easy and as minimal as we can when it comes to our animals. We believe that God equipped them to handle most conditions on their own, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give a helping hand for some added warmth and comfort.

If you’re a backyard chicken keeper or a small homesteader (or dreaming of becoming one), This post is for you! Let’s talk winter chicken care and some practical, tried-and-true ways to keep those ladies warm, healthy, and happy!

1. Keep Their Coop Draft-Free But Ventilated

Winterizing the coop is like wrapping your chickens in a warm (but breathable) blanket. You want to keep drafts out since cold air moving through the coop can lead to frostbite, especially on their combs and wattles. But it’s essential to maintain ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, which is the sneaky culprit behind frostbite. Chickens release a lot of moisture through breathing and droppings, so adding ventilation at the top of the coop allows that moisture to escape without sending a cold draft their way.

Tip: Try placing vents high on the coop walls, or if that’s not possible, consider cracking a small window during the day if temps allow. Just keep the direct wind off them!

2. Consider Adding Extra Bedding (Deep Litter Method, Anyone?)

The deep litter method is a natural way to keep your coop a bit warmer while creating compost you can use in the spring. Essentially, you let the bedding pile up, creating layers of straw or wood shavings that slowly compost and give off a little bit of heat. Plus, it keeps their feet nice and insulated.

How it works: Start with a thick layer of clean bedding at the beginning of winter. Over time, just add more on top as it gets soiled, and let it build up. By spring, you’ll have a compost-ready mix of bedding and manure.

3. Protect Their Combs and Wattles from Frostbite

Chickens are resilient, but those combs and wattles can get frostbitten in frigid weather. A lot of chicken keepers swear by using a bit of petroleum jelly on the combs and wattles on extra-cold days to protect from frostbite. This helps seal in some warmth and adds a protective barrier.

Pro Tip: Only apply it when necessary and sparingly, as too much can actually cause dirt to stick and create issues of its own. If your region sees serious cold, consider focusing on frost-resistant breeds next time you add to your flock.

4. Keep Them Occupied with Winter Boredom Busters

Chickens get bored too, especially when they can’t scratch around in the frozen ground. A bored chicken can turn into a bully, so giving them something to do is crucial. Hang a cabbage in the coop, throw in some corn or scratch grains for them to dig around in, or even give them a treat block to peck at.

Winter boredom buster ideas: Try a hanging cabbage (think: a chicken tetherball!), DIY treat blocks, or even spreading a little scratch in a box of dry bedding for them to peck through. A bit of entertainment goes a long way to keep them happy and active.

Here’s a chicken toy ball you can use!

5. Check on Their Water Daily

Water can freeze so quickly in winter, and chickens won’t be able to lay if they aren’t drinking enough. If you don’t have a heated waterer, be prepared to swap out their water a couple of times a day or invest in a water heater base that keeps it from freezing.

Money-saving tip: If you’re not keen on running power to the coop, some people use rubber bowls instead of traditional waterers. They’re easier to empty out, and you can quickly pop out the ice and refill them!

Check out this water dish heater!

6. Provide Extra Protein and Nutrients

Chickens need a little extra energy to stay warm in winter, so this is the time to sneak in a few more high-protein treats. Mealworms, scrambled eggs, or sunflower seeds are perfect snacks that help them maintain energy. Just don’t go overboard – think of it as a little winter boost, not a feast.

Extra nutrition ideas: A few extra mealworms, some suet cakes designed for chickens, and black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) are all great cold-weather treats. Remember, balanced feed is still the main course!

7. Let Them Outside on Good Days – Safely!

It’s easy to want to keep them locked up for warmth, but letting them out on milder days is essential for mental and physical health. They’ll get to stretch, peck, and keep up some natural behaviors. Just be sure to provide them a safe, dry space outside where they’re shielded from wind.

Outside area ideas: If you have an enclosed run, consider covering part of it with a tarp to keep snow out. Straw bales can also act as windbreaks, and they love hopping on and off them.

Final Thoughts

Winter can be challenging for chicken keepers, but it’s rewarding to see your flock thriving despite the chill. Just remember, chickens are surprisingly hardy! With a few adjustments, they can make it through winter just fine and be ready to bounce back come spring. And hey, you’ll get to feel like a winter pro by the end of it.

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