Many parts of the country are experiencing drastic below average temperatures and blizzards. You can help your backyard chickens survive and thrive in cold conditions by following a few basic care tips.

Provide your chickens with a structure that has a roof and walls to protect them from precipitation and wind. The biggest obstacles to your chickens having a comfortable and safe winter season are moisture and precipitation and wind. Wet precipitation combined with the draft of wind blowing directly on them makes it extremely difficult for them to stay warm. Your chicken housing especially those built in an emergency fashion does not have to be fancy. You can utilize things like dog pens, plywood, and tarps to construct emergency structures. The key is to keep your chickens dry and out of direct wind, protecting them from exposure to the elements.

Provide your chickens with roosts and perches. Direct contact with cold, muddy ground can result in a myriad of issues. Providing your chickens with adequate perches and roosts is essential for both their health and enrichment. Appropriate perches allow chickens to get off of the cold ground and cover their exposed feet with their feathers for warmth. Perches and roosts also promote flock harmony by providing more space options for your chickens. Roosts and perches don’t have to be expensive. 2x4s are the ideal material but you can also use scrap lumber or fallen branches. We use branches that are at least 3 inches across for full size chickens. Be sure to sand down or remove any sharp or protruding edges from roost and perches that might harm your chicken’s feet.

Make sure your chickens have access to food and water. Cold temperatures can freeze food rations and dispensers as well as water containers. Utilize a heated livestock water bowl if possible. If you are watering by hand, be sure to check your flock’s water availability multiple times a day as water containers may freeze over quickly. Empty ice outside of their enclosure to avoid exposing them to unwanted moisture and mud.

Provide your chickens with clean litter and nest box bedding. When you provide a form of litter that works well for your area you are protecting your chickens’ feet from potentially damaging conditions. Using litter also makes it easier to refresh your chicken area and remove accumulated droppings to keep your chickens healthy. Litter can also serve as a form of enrichment. We use pine shavings in our run and let our girls do the work of spreading it for us! Spreading fresh litter is a great way to break up winter boredom and promote a clean chicken area. Refresh your nesting materials as needed in the winter months.

Continue to collect eggs daily. Cold temperatures can cause eggs to burst, wasting your flock’s effort and soiling their nesting area. Collecting eggs daily is an important part of maintaining their environment.

Provide enrichment. Chicken enrichment is an important part of overall flock health. Low cost or no cost toys, additional perches, and treats all alleviate flock boredom and tension when your chickens are confined in their areas due to extreme weather. Avoid feeding moist treats during dangerously cold temperatures because snacks such as oatmeal can become stuck on combs, waddles, and feet and cause frostbite in extreme cold, especially prior to roosting for the night.

*Do not use a heat lamp in your coop or run*. These light fixtures while appropriate for some situations are a fire hazard when used in coops and runs. Dust and dander accumulate in the light fixture and cause fires. Most chicken breeds do not require an additional heat source if they are kept clean, dry, and out of direct exposure to the wind and elements. If you have ornamental breeds or other circumstances where you feel the use of an additional heat source is needed consider safer alternatives like a wall mounted panel heater.

I hope this is helpful! For more winter care content, check out Chuck and the Chicks Youtube channel and Chuck’s Winter Care Tips Playlist.