Caring for Your Flock in the Winter

Well hey there, y’all! We’ve got a handful of hens that keep us in eggs all year long, but I’ll tell ya, winter can be tough on 'em if you’re not careful.

If you're just getting into the chicken game or you’re worried about your flock as the cold weather settles in, I've got some tips I’ve learned along the way. I mean, we’re still in the middle of this build (building our dream home as we have the funds and our own little homestead), so things can get a little hectic, but I can’t let my chickens freeze their tails off! I want them happy and healthy, so we can keep those eggs comin’ for the family.

Tip #1: Keep Them Cozy with a Well-Insulated If you’ve got a drafty coop, that wind can really chill ‘em to the bone. We’ve been working on getting ours snug and warm, and trust me, a little extra insulation goes a long way. I used some leftover water pipe insulation to block the drafts at any open holes and it has made a world of a difference.

Tip #2: Fresh Water, Always: In winter, water freezes quicker than you’d think, and you can’t have your hens go without. Eric and I make sure to keep fresh water up at the coop every single day and sometimes two to three times a day. I know it’s a little extra, but it’s worth it to keep them hydrated. In the future, we would love to add a heated water element.

Tip #3: Keep Their Bedding Dry: One of the biggest mistakes I see folks making in winter is letting that bedding get wet. Wet straw or hay is a breeding ground for bacteria and can make your chickens sick. I keep an eye on their bedding every day, adding fresh straw as needed and scooping out the wet stuff. That way, they have a clean, dry place to roost every single night.

Tip #4: Let ‘Em Free-Range on Sunny Days: I know, I know, you might be worried about them getting cold. But if the sun’s out, don’t be afraid to let your hens wander around a bit. They’re tough little creatures and need their exercise. Just make sure they have a sheltered spot to huddle up in if the wind picks up.

Tip #5: Give Them Extra Scraps & Protein: In winter, chickens need a little more energy to stay warm. I’ve been saving kitchen scraps like leftover veggies and some cracked corn to toss into their run. The extra food gives them the fuel they need to stay happy and healthy, even when it’s freezing outside.

I’m sure I’ve got plenty more tips to share as we keep on this journey of building our homestead and making a life that’s all about simplicity and hard work. If you’re building your own homestead or just want to learn more about raising chickens (and keeping ‘em safe through the cold months), follow along with me on this blog.

Y’all take care now and keep those chickens warm!

‘Til next time, friends!

Blaina Jo