With more rain and increasing incidents of cold weather, it is time to think about preparing your backyard flock for the winter. Unfortunately, we are too often taught that chickens are incredibly robust creatures when, in fact, they are actually quite sensitive to weather extremes and are prone to developing serious health problems when their living conditions are inadequate.
To have healthy chickens, optimum egg laying (and much better tasting eggs), chickens need to be kept happy, calm, dry, safe, at a reasonable temperature (not too hot and not too cold) while eating a nutritionally balanced diet. Actually, hens require these basic care components all year round, but it is particularly important to ensure they are kept safe and healthy in harsher winter conditions.
Coop Requirements
At the very minimum, chicken coops need to be warm, dry, free from severe drafts, mold and dampness. Often people create living quarters for their chickens without proper forethought and come wintertime, chickens are forced to stand, sleep or nest on wet and/or damp litter. Damp coop conditions results in higher stress levels in the hens, reduced egg production and a much greater susceptibility to general illness.
The Chicken Health Handbook by Gail Damerow (a must for every chicken farmer – large or small) explains that wet coop litter may promote growth of mould (which also causes aspergillosis), bacteria (produces ammonia and other unpleasant gases which may lead to respiratory problems and conjunctivitis) and may promote the survival of viruses, protozoa (such as those causing coccidiosis) and nematodes (worms).
It is important to note that eggs can also become contaminated in poor sanitary conditions. The Chicken Health Handbook explains, “A freshly laid egg is warm and moist, and therefore attracts bacteria and molds that exist in the poultry environment.”
Cover coop floors with dry, non-hardwood shavings, about 20cm (8 inches deep for adult birds) so that the hens’ feet and legs remain dry. Fill nesting boxes with dry straw or hay to ensure comfortable egg-laying conditions. Consider sprinkling the coop with organic dried lavender or rosemary (without artificial scents added) to naturally control the spread of mites and lice.
Coop cleanliness is even more important during the winter months when chickens will be spending more time indoors. Generally a coop should be cleaned once a week to ensure that the chickens are not forced to inhale the gases produced from faeces build-up and/or faeces dust that will compromise respiratory health.
Coop Temperature
As a general rule of thumb, chickens like the temperature to remain somewhere between 5-8°C (41-46.4°F) in the coop. Consider installing an infra-red heat lamp, on a timer or controlled by a thermostat, which can provide both light and heat for the hens during cold weather. A simple thermometer is also useful to monitor the coop temperature.
Make sure the light is installed correctly so it is not a fire hazard or results in the coop becoming too hot for the chickens. The light can be turned on for an hour or two in the morning and evening to ensure the coop stays dry and above freezing. In a pinch, if electricity is not available at your coop, hot water bottles wrapped in thick towels, can be used to keep chickens from freezing in harsh winter weather.
Chicken combs and wattles are extremely prone to frostbite so birds should not be out in the snow and wind for long periods of time. A rooster is even more prone to frostbite as they don’t sleep with their head tucked under their wing.
Food & Water
Chicken feed must remain dry at all times as grains, when moldy, are a primary candidate for the increased risk of fungal poisoning and/or the spread of mycotoxicosis. Chicken feed should be kept off the ground in a container that does not allow rain or moisture in.
Chickens need to drink a lot of water (an estimated 1-2 cups per day, per chicken) so it is important their water remains unfrozen throughout the winter weather season. Chickens prefer their water temperature at about 13°C (55°F) or they may drink less than their daily requirements, according to The Chicken Health Handbook.
It is recommended to add both a water and feed station, one of each per five to eight chickens, to the indoor coop area if hens will be kept inside during bad weather. Chickens will remain calmer and engage in less feather picking if they don’t have to fight to access food and water. A minimum of one calcium station (crushed oyster shells) per ten chickens is recommended as well.
Pen Area
Chickens will still want to go out during wet or snowy weather so it is important to keep them from getting too cold or wet. A portion of the pen area can be covered with a tarp to ensure the hens have access to a dry sheltered area. If the pen area becomes too wet, skim off the top layer of excrement (which makes fabulous compost) and consider adding small round pebbles, gravel or sand to the pen floor to improve water drainage.
Adding simple logs, perches and bars in the pen area will also allow the chickens access to outdoor areas without forcing them to stand on wet or snow-covered ground.
Valerie Williams is a writer living on Salt Spring Island with several (happy) chicken friends. She is the editor of GreenMuze.com
Show/Hide comment form
