Winter Storm Watch ( Caring for your chickens)

A simple, no-nonsense guide for cold months

Winter can feel intimidating when you’re raising chickens, especially your first few seasons. Cold weather, snow, frozen waterers, and shorter days all change how your flock behaves. The good news is chickens are tougher than most people think. With a few smart adjustments, they can stay healthy, comfortable, and productive all winter long.

Chickens Handle Cold Better Than Damp

Cold alone isn’t the real enemy. Moisture and drafts are. Chickens fluff their feathers to trap body heat, and a dry bird can handle surprisingly low temperatures. A wet bird cannot.

Focus on:

• Keeping the coop dry
• Preventing direct drafts at roost level
• Allowing good ventilation near the roofline to prevent moisture buildup

A dry, draft-free coop does more for winter health than adding heat.

Skip the Heat Lamps

Heat lamps are one of the biggest causes of coop fires. They also prevent chickens from acclimating to cold weather. When a heated coop loses power or a lamp fails, the sudden temperature drop can be far more dangerous than steady cold.

Instead of heat lamps:

• Use deep bedding (pine shavings or straw)
• Make sure roosts are wide enough for birds to sit on their feet
• Block wind without sealing the coop airtight

Chickens that adapt naturally do better long-term.

Water Is the Biggest Daily Battle

Frozen water is usually the biggest winter chore. Chickens need fresh water every day, even when it’s cold.

Helpful tips:

• Use a heated water base or heated waterer
• Raise waterers off the ground to reduce freezing
• Check water early in the morning and again before dark

If water freezes, egg production and overall health drop fast.

Feed a Little Extra

Chickens burn more calories in winter just staying warm. Offering a bit more feed helps them maintain body weight and energy.

Winter feeding tips:

• Keep free-choice feed available
• Scratch grains are fine in moderation, especially before roosting
• Avoid treats that are watery or freeze solid

Think fuel, not snacks.

Expect Fewer Eggs

Shorter daylight hours naturally reduce egg laying. This is normal and healthy. Chickens aren’t meant to lay year-round without a break.

You can:

• Accept the seasonal slowdown

• Or add supplemental light if production is critical

For most backyard flocks, letting hens rest through winter leads to better laying in spring.

Watch Feet and Combs

Cold weather can cause frostbite, especially on large combs and exposed feet.

Prevent issues by:

• Keeping bedding dry
• Avoiding damp coops
• Using petroleum jelly sparingly on large combs during extreme cold

Early signs of frostbite are pale or grayish tips, not black.

Let Them Be Chickens

On sunny winter days, chickens love to come out, scratch, and soak up light. Clear a small area of snow if needed and let them move around.

Movement helps circulation and keeps birds happier and healthier.

Winter Is About Consistency

You don’t need fancy equipment or constant worry. Winter chicken care comes down to a few steady habits:

• Dry coop
• Fresh water
• Enough food
• Protection from wind

Do those things, and your flock will come through winter just fine.

Spring always comes.