9 Tips For Winter Storm Readiness With Chickens
The winter season can present some challenging circumstances for you and your flock. Falling temperatures and inclement weather increase the chance of issues like frostbite, overcrowding, and respiratory issues. Luckily there are things you can do to prepare yourself, your family, and your flock for hazardous winter conditions. The following are tips that have worked me for in my region with our winter extremes (grow zone 6A in the Midwest, USA).
Be weather aware. The severity of weather extremes is going to vary greatly depending on your region, the emergency support systems in your area, and your facilities. Knowing when to expect winter storms and taking steps to prepare prior to severe weather arriving is key to having a safe and happy winter. Apps, radio, online, and television resources all provide ways to stay tuned to what is occurring in your region so you can take the appropriate safety measures.
Acquire at least one extra of your most essential chicken supplies. Severe weather means that road travel may be limited or impossible during certain weather conditions. If practical or possible have at least one extra bag of essential poultry care items like your chosen complete chicken feed and ground cover litter. This will provide you with the supplies you need until normal travel is restored after the storm passes.
Get in that extra cleaning session. Sanitary conditions within your chicken facilities are essential to maintaining your flock’s health and productivity. This is especially true in circumstances where there might be a pause in care due to emergency weather conditions. If you’re anticipating severe winter weather be sure to clean your chicken facilities ahead of time to prepare your flock for potentially longer periods of confinement during dangerous storms. Eliminating excess droppings helps prevent frostbite conditions, respiratory issues, and behavioral problems that result from unsanitary surroundings. Consider adding extra ground cover litter like coarse sand or pine flake shavings for additional cleanliness as well as warmth for your chickens.
Fill food, supplement, and water containers in advance. During winter storms leaving your house to do your normal chores routine may be delayed or even impossible for a short period of time. Topping off the food, supplement, and water for your chickens ahead of time ensures you will have a buffer of some extra time to tend to your flock when you can safely do so. Consider providing additional treats like a flock block which serves as both a food source and a form of enrichment to help combat boredom and stress.
Expect some utility interruptions and plan ahead. Winter storms can include expected disruptions to normal services like electricity and water. Take reasonable precautions for yourself and your flock including things like having a flash light with batteries and as mentioned above filling water dispensers and bowls ahead of time. No electricity means heated water bowls won’t be functioning and neither will panel heaters. Minimize trips in and out of your chicken facilities to keep heat inside. Black plastic or rubber livestock dishes keep water and food from freezing longer without the use of electricity.
Have appropriate winter clothing. My severe winter gear includes insulated coverall pants, a dedicated sturdy winter coat, hat, gloves, and water proof boots with good tread. Your area may require additional winter gear. Many of these items can be found at thrift or consignment stores. Using multiple layers of clothing is an additional option. It’s important to have a dedicated set of winter clothing for caring for your chickens, clothes you don’t wear anywhere but when caring for your flock, because this provides them with an additional level of biosecurity. Also, any clothes worn when caring for animals will become messy and not something you want to wear into public.
Seal cracks and holes in your chicken infrastructure. Your chickens need access to fresh air, not draft. While leaving places high in your infrastructure for ventilation, meaning fresh air above their level, seal holes and cracks which may let in draft and precipitation. When it’s dark you can use a light inside your chicken infrastructure and then view the structure from outside. The light will show you any holes or cracks you may have missed. Ensure the roof of your chicken structure doesn’t leak and make any needed repairs.
Reinforce the walls of your chicken infrastructure. Items like tarps, plywood, and straw bales can be used on the exterior of your chicken infrastructure to provide additional wind breaks. Straw bales inside your chicken infrastructure along with items like large natural branches, 2x4s, and other chicken-safe items provide perching and roosting options for your flock which decreases the chance of frostbite and helps to relieve overcrowding. Be sure to remove any sharp edges from items you provide for your chickens to roost and perch on.
Secure any loose equipment. Winter storms can bring with them high winds and severe weather. Be sure prior to any harsh winter conditions to put away and store any loose equipment that you use around your chicken area to ensure it doesn’t become a dangerous object in high winds. Also, secure or take down any hanging objects or toys that might be blown about dangerously in stormy conditions.
While winter may present many challenges to you as a backyard chicken owner with a little forethought, preparedness, and clear-headed planning you can ensure your safety and happiness as well as protect and care for your flock. I hope this information was a helpful starting point for your winter readiness with backyard chickens. Check out Chuck’s other social media for more backyard chicken and homesteading content.
Chuck and the Chicks 