How To Keep Chickens Warm In Winter Without Electricity
If you’ve been wondering how to keep chickens warm in winter without electricity, this guide is packed with helpful tips to get you started on your coop insulation. A warm and cozy flock not only stays healthy but also continues laying eggs even in the chilliest weather.
Raising chickens during the colder months can be simple and rewarding when you understand how to keep them comfortable.
When you think about chickens, “hardy” and “durable” might not be the first words that pop into your head. Because of that, it’s easy to go overboard when caring for them. But here’s the good news—even if you’re facing the freezing conditions of northern winters, raising chickens doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here’s the thing about chickens: they are tougher than they look when it comes to cold weather. With a little help from you and a warm, dry coop, your flock has everything it needs to not just handle the weather but thrive through the winter months.
How Chickens Stay Warm
Chickens have a clever way of staying warm in cold weather. They grow soft, downy feathers close to their skin, which act like natural insulation. These feathers sit beneath their tougher outer feathers and do an amazing job of trapping body heat, creating a barrier against the chilly air.
If you notice your chickens fluffing up their feathers, that’s a good sign! It means they’re keeping themselves warm just the way nature intended. However, if you’re someone who likes to dress your hens in little chicken sweaters to “help” them, it might be time to reconsider. Those snug sweaters can actually flatten the fluffy down feathers, which makes it harder for your chickens to stay warm on their own.
Reminder: If it’s already the middle of winter, hold off on making big changes. Sudden adjustments can be stressful for your flock. It’s better to allow your chickens to gradually adapt to the cold over time, starting in the fall. If you’re reading this between December and March, save these tips for next season!
How To Keep Chickens Warm In Winter Without Electricity
Even without electricity in your chicken coop, there’s plenty you can do to keep your hens warm, even in the coldest weather. Over the years, I’ve tested most of these tips in my own winter coop, and I’m happy to say we’ve never lost a hen to the cold or dealt with any serious illnesses. While we’ve had the occasional frostbite incident, it’s made me extra careful about checking on my flock throughout the day.
Inspect your chicken coop
Fall is the perfect time to give your chicken coop a good inspection before the winter chill sets in.
#1. Predator Proof the Coop
As you are cleaning out the coop, take a close look for any holes in the walls or floors. These little gaps can invite in cold drafts, rain, or even snow. Plus, predators become more desperate for food in winter, so sealing up those cracks can help keep your flock safe.
If you spot any openings, use a scrap piece of wood to nail over the cracks. This is an easy fix to keep the bitter cold and predator proof your coop.
#2. Keep the Air Fresh
Even in the winter, you will want fresh air in the coop. This will keep your flock’s lungs healthier and reduce the chance of sickness. Be the sure the incoming air is from a vent and is not a draft.
Ventilation vs. Drafts – What’s the Difference?
It’s important to know the distinction between ventilation and drafts, as they can sometimes get confused. Drafts are cold, sharp streams of air that can seriously harm your chickens. On the other hand, ventilation is all about steady, controlled airflow. It’s designed to keep the coop full of fresh, clean air while ushering out stale air.
Usually, ventilation vents are placed higher up in the coop and far away from where your hens roost, so that air doesn’t blow directly on them.
The rule of thumb is simple: drafts, bad. Ventilation, good.
#3. Insulate the Floor
Keeping the floor of your coop cozy is a must as temperatures drop. Lay down a deep layer of bedding like wood chips, sawdust, or straw to create a warm, soft barrier for your chickens’ feet.
If your winters are especially harsh or your coop doesn’t have an elevated floor, aim for at least a foot of bedding to keep the cold at bay. Need wood chips? Buying locally at places like Tractor Supply or your feed mill will save you money and keep your flock comfy all winter.
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#4. Add Bales for coop Insulation
Winters with cold, strong winds call for some extra coop insulation, and straw bales are perfect for the job. I line the inside of our coop with bales of straw to block drafts and create a cozy, warm space for the chickens.
Bonus? They enjoy perching on the bales, which also keeps them off the cold ground if your coop doesn’t have a floor.
Hay vs. Straw – What’s the Difference?
Here’s the quick rundown so you don’t mix them up:
- Straw is made from leftover stalks of wheat. It has no seeds, making it safe for garden use as mulch or winter cover.
- Hay is cut grass or alfalfa, packed with seeds (including weeds). If you spread hay in your garden, you’re inviting a major weeding nightmare.
To keep it simple, just remember this: Hay is for feeding, and straw is for bedding.
SLCG Pro Tip: Over time, the bales will wear down, but don’t toss them out. If you used straw (not hay), you can repurpose those broken-down bales as mulch or compost in your garden when spring arrives.
#5. Keep WAter From Freezing
Freezing mornings usually mean frozen water for your chickens, so one of the first tasks is breaking up and replacing it. I like to give warm water in the morning—not hot, as it should be cool enough for them to drink safely. This slows down freezing until afternoon chores.
For cold climates, skip metal and plastic chicken waterers. Rubber feed/water bowls are a better option. They’re tough, affordable, and handle freezing conditions well. Plus, you can use them for water, feed, or mash.
Pro Tip: Add a rock inside the bowl to prevent tipping, and place it on a block or platform to help keep the water clean.
Frequent water runs might sound like a hassle, but it’s easier than you think! Use an empty milk jug to bring fresh warm water on each trip to the coop. It’s a small task that keeps your flock happy and hydrated.
Another perk of multiple water checks? You’ll get more chances to monitor your chickens. The more often you’re with them, the quicker you’ll notice if someone isn’t adjusting well to the cold. Catching early signs of trouble is key to keeping your birds healthy all winter.
#6. Feed Warm Mash in the Morning
On chilly mornings, I like to treat my hens to some warm mash. It not only encourages them to eat but also helps them stay hydrated.
Making warm mash is simple. Just pour hot water into a rubber feed bowl, toss in some leftover veggies, peelings, or even oatmeal, and you’re done. No need to mix it—the chickens will handle that while they eat. Rubber feed bowls are my go-to because they’re sturdy, easy to clean, and perfect for mash.
The best part? Your flock will love it so much, they’ll start digging in before you’re even finished preparing it.
#7. Offer Continuous Feed
Chickens warm up while digesting, so keeping a continuous feeder available is a smart way to help them stay warm during winter. Metal feeders are a durable option that can last for years, but if you’re on a budget, plastic feeders work too, though they may not hold up as long.
As Lisa from Fresh Eggs Daily advises, chickens eat more in winter to make up for burning extra calories to stay warm, especially with no grass or bugs around. Yes, you’ll go through more feed, but keeping your flock healthy and laying eggs through the cold months makes it worth it.
Before bedtime, sprinkle in some chicken scratch. It digests slowly, keeping them cozy while they sleep. Small steps like these can help your chickens thrive all winter long.
#8. Rearrange the Coop Layout
In winter, it’s smart to adjust your coop setup to keep your flock warmer. Move nesting boxes to the warmest part of the coop and fill them with plenty of bedding. If you can’t relocate the roost, add more coop insulation to the wall nearby for extra warmth.
Place water and feeders in the center of the coop where it stays warmer. These small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping your chickens comfortable during the chilly months.
#9. Insulate Nesting Boxes
Another tip is to pack nesting boxes with lots of bedding like straw or wood shavings. You can also line the inside with cardboard or foam panels for extra coop insulation. Adding a curtain over the entrance is another great way to keep the nesting box warmer. A warm nesting box is not only good for your hens,, but it will keep your eggs from freezing until you can collect them.
Get Your Run Winter Ready
With your coop prepped for winter, it’s time to focus on your outdoor run. A few simple updates can make a big difference in keeping your flock happy and healthy through the cold months!
#1. Add a Tarp
Hang a tarp or heavy plastic along one or more walls of the run to block icy winds and stop snow from drifting into the coop. This creates a cozy, sheltered spot for your chickens to enjoy fresh air without battling the elements. Bonus? You’ll save yourself some shoveling! If your run has an open-top, consider covering that too to keep the area as dry as possible.
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#2. Increase Bedding Depth
Lay down a thick layer of straw, hay, or wood shavings in the run. This provides coop insulation for those bare chicken feet and creates a barrier against frost, ice, and snow. Keeping their feet warm and dry is essential for preventing frostbite. Spread extra bedding in any areas where your flock spends the most time.
#3. Provide Roosting Perches
Chickens love to perch, especially when the ground is cold. Add a few sturdy roosts in the run so they have a spot to rest off the frozen ground. Make sure the perches are high enough to keep them safe from drafts but easy for your birds to reach.
#4. Build an Overhang
A small overhang near the coop door offers protection from rain, wind, and snow. This gives your flock a gradual way to venture outdoors without being hit by harsh weather immediately. It’s also a great spot to place their feeders or scatter treats to encourage them to explore outside.
#5. Use a Solar Door
Installing a solar-powered coop door is a game-changer in the winter. These automatic doors allow your chickens to move between the coop and the run at their own pace, ensuring they enjoy fresh air without letting cold drafts into the coop.
Keeping the Flock Warm at Night
One of the biggest concerns chicken owners have in the winter is keeping everyone warm at night when temperatures usually plummet. Here are a few tips to help your flock stay warm and you relax.
First, make sure your hens have a draft-free coop. A sturdy coop that is free of drafts is key to blocking out icy winds. Do a thorough inspection in the fall and take care of any gaps or cracks before the temperatures really drop. This will make a huge difference when those winter nights hit.
Second, give your chickens a good roost. They need plenty of room to perch off the cold ground while they sleep. Be sure to position the roost in the warmest part of the coop so they can stay snug all night.
Lastly, ensure there’s enough space for your flock to cuddle up. Chickens instinctively huddle together for warmth, so a bit of extra room on the roost will help keep everyone comfortable.
Read our guide on CHICKEN ROOSTS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW AND MORE. Inside you’ll find tips on a few DIY options, the best spacing and size top ensure there is enough room for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should you use heat lamps in a coop?
Heat lamps are often one of the first things new chicken owners buy, but they’re not usually the best option for an established coop. While they’re essential for keeping baby chicks warm, I’d recommend avoiding them for your adult flock. Here’s why:
- Heat lamps create dependency. When you artificially heat your coop, your hens don’t build up their natural resilience to colder temperatures. Over time, this leaves them less equipped to handle the cold.
- They’re dangerous. Heat lamps can be serious fire hazards. I made the decision to stop using them after a devastating barn fire in our area started from a single heat lamp.
When I removed heat lamps from our coop, I noticed some incredible benefits. My hens adapted naturally to the cold, growing thicker feathers, and their health improved. Their combs became a vibrant red, their feathers were fluffier, and their egg production stayed steady all winter. Heat lamps might seem helpful, but your flock is likely better off without them!
Why do you need bedding on the floor of a chicken coop?
Chickens don’t have feathers on their legs or feet, so standing on the cold ground can quickly lead to frostbite. That’s why a thick layer of bedding on the coop floor is so important. It not only keeps their feet warmer but also absorbs moisture and keeps the space more comfortable overall.
Pro Tip: Use materials like straw, hay, or wood shavings to create a cozy barrier between their feet and the cold ground. You can also add a few straw bales or sturdy roosts as extra spots for your chickens to perch and stay warm.
Do chickens lay eggs in the winter?
Yes, chickens do lay eggs during the winter, but expect a slower pace. The shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures naturally lead to a dip in egg production.
Some hens might stop laying altogether, while others simply lay less often. One important thing to keep in mind during winter is that eggs can freeze if left too long in the nest boxes. To prevent losing eggs to the cold, try collecting them a couple of times a day.
If any eggs do freeze, don’t worry – you don’t have to toss them! Frozen eggs can still be fed to your other livestock or even back to your chickens. It might sound odd, but eggs are a fantastic source of protein, especially during the stressful winter months.
Why do you want your chickens and ducks to go outside in the winter?
Fresh air is terrific for your flock’s health. Even in winter, letting your birds spend time outdoors can help them clean their feathers, stretch their wings, and breathe cleaner air. Chicken coops, no matter how tidy, are dusty spaces. Regular access to the outdoors helps balance their environment and keeps their lungs clear.
Once your chickens adjust to going outside in the snow, you’ll find them more willing to explore. Allowing them to roam safely in the colder months promotes strong weather durability and overall good health.
Caution: If you notice a chicken that seems off (coughing, lethargic, loose stools, or not eating), don’t encourage them to go outside. Instead, move them to a warm area and do a health check to ensure they’re okay.
For tips on setting up outdoor spaces during winter, read our guide on CHICKEN ROOSTS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW AND MORE. Inside you’ll find tips on a few DIY options, the best spacing and size to ensure there is enough room for everyone.r
A few simple tips can make all the difference in helping your flock thrive when temperatures drop. Start by ensuring they have a cozy, draft-free shelter to protect them from harsh winds and snow. Add plenty of dry bedding to keep their feet warm and comfortable.
Read even more tips on Caring for Chickens in the Winter for more tips on helping your entire flock better handle the coldp
Always make fresh water available since it can freeze quickly in the cold. Heated waterers aren’t an option without electricity, so be diligent about replacing frozen water with fresh, unfrozen water throughout the day.
Lastly, take time to check on your chickens regularly. Look for signs of frostbite or any changes in their behavior to catch potential issues early. With a little preparation and smart planning, you can keep your chickens warm in winter without electricity.
I enjoyed your article about chickens.
Thank you, Nancy!
All my chickens have for the whole year slept up a conifer tree in my garden, I’ve tried and tried to stop them bar cutting down the tree but they love it. How can I make sure they are warm enough.
Thank you
Hello, Jo!
If you live in an area where the weather gets quite cold you may want to teach your chickens to go into the coop where it is warmer and safer. To do this, purchase a favorite treat such as meal worms. You can then only give them those treats after they come inside of the coop. Call them in, sprinkle the worms on the ground, close them up for the night. This may take a few times before they learn where to go but eventually they will get the hint and learn to come in at night.
I hope this helps!
Tracy Lynn
Hi, We live in upper Michigan, it gets cold! We have had some trials with starting this last year! But to make a longer story short I now have 4 ducks, 6 guinea hens! So when I started We insulated a shed for chickens and ducks. Then later got guinea hens! I have a greenhouse that’s not insulated! It’s much bigger! We had to put the ducks and chickens in the greenhouse. It seemed crowded for them in the shed! We did put a middle level in the shed the hens and guineas. But the 2 didn’t seem to get along. Now I feel like the greenhouse isn’t fair to the ducks and chicks.. they do have ground floor so access to dirt, woodchips, for scratching!! Water warmer feed, and fed greens mid afternoon! I see they all are always by the door wanting out. Idk what to do. Am I doing smt wrong?? TIA
I forgot to ask also, my chickens love to eat snow. I was told that’s not good for them at all. It cools off there insides and they will die! Even just a little bit! I’m concerned! They have eaten snow since we stared getting it. There fine! But is it truly something I need to be worried about, and if so how to prevent them from eating the snow!!
Try not to worry!
Many birds in the wild eat snow in order to stay hydrated so, your chickens eating snow is instinctual for them. If you are concerned, you can give them more water sources but eating a bit here and there will not harm them.
Chickens prefer to be in a safe enclosed area at night as they do not see well in the dark, but during the daytime they prefer to be outside. Rain, shine, and yes even snow. So the fact that your birds want out during the day is totally normal.
The trick is to allow them to get in AND out during the daytime. Keep their food inside only so they know to go in in order to eat. This will encourage them to come in every now and then.
I hope this helps!
Tracy Lynn
Thank you so much for all of your great advice. This is my first year in upstate New York, raising laying hens. They will be so much happier and healthier now that I know how to keep them warm.
Great to hear, Nadine!
Good luck
Tracy Lynn
I love your idea about keeping bales in tact. I just removed a broken bale and all the straw in my coop, to keep mice from enjoying a condo. Do you have any suggestions for controlling mice?
I use good old spring-loaded mouse traps that we hide behind the bales. It’s true we get a few mice but not anything that is a risk to our flock.
Great read, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. It will be my first winter having hens so this is really helpful.
Abby x
A recycled tire works well. The black warms in the sun. Gets them off the cold ground. They all sit around it in a chicken circle. Be sure drill large holes on the bottom side so water does not accumulate and breed bacteria and mosquitoes.
I just love this idea, Heather! Thank you for sharing!
Tracy Lynn
Thank you , good idea !
I enjoyed your article. Confirmed a lot of information my boyfriend and I previously disagreed on. Thanks again
They have a core temperature 107-108. They have a year round downy coat. They don’t need heat!
Thank you for this thorough list of tips! I live in Montana, where summers are scorching hot, and winters are brutally cold. This is my first attempt at raising chickens, and although they are for eggs, I want to make sure they are treated humanely. I have read that (proper) ventilation in the winter is one of the most important factors in a coop design, and am working on building one while my chicks are still in their brooder.
You sound like you will be an amazing chicken owner, lucky hens!
my coop has a window of chicken mesh in it, quite large. Do I need to close it off in winter? Ive seen a lot of coops don’t have mesh windows and are in darkness when closed. I don’t want them to freeze.
If you are worried about the dark, you can cover it with plexiglass. It is inexpensive clear plastic that will help to keep your coop a bit warmer.
I hope this helps,
Tracy
Drill small holes along the edges of the plexiglass and attach it to the chicken mesh with zip ties. Leave open at the top for coop ventilation. It’s easy to snip the zip ties off come summer, and store the plexiglass to reinstall next winter.
What a great idea!!!
Our window is covered in screen so nothing out or in Hubby built a plexi glass frame attached at top with hinges Can open in summer And closed in winter
Oh, I love this idea, Lynn!! Thank you for sharing!
Tracy Lynn
Thanks Tracy! This article was most helpful. Now I’m not afraid to keep my chickens through the winter. :). I live in Ontario , Canada so it can get a little chilly … especially at night. 😉 julie
Yay, Julie, so glad you found it helpful!
When it gets down into the teens and single digits, I will use Vaseline on their combs and wattles to keep them from getting frostbite, which is very painful. My chickens are not tamed and in order to apply the petroleum jelly, I do it while they are on the roost. I have my husband hold them while I apply the jelly.
I just have a few chickens and a small chicken coop ( I let mine free range ) In the winter I cover my coop with blankets & a tarp. I then add straw to the small run, but in the morning I let them out and they do their own thing. I have Bantam chickens and they have made it through the winter so far. This winter I will have some young chicken ( I have a mama hen on eggs now) is there anything I should do different?
Hello, Jennie!
The main thing to be concerned with is your chicken’s feet and wattles. Those two areas are the least protected. By putting down a patch or two of straw or hay you will give them a place to stand. Chickens do not always think to stay out of frozen water or snow but if you give them a warm dry spot even outside they will stand there instead.
I hope this helps!
Tracy Lynn
That heater you posted is not solar powered.
Would love to find one that is.
Any leads?
No, it is not. I do know there are quite a few options on Amazon. Have you checked there?
Hi very helpful information…. I live in Ontario, Canada, and expecting a brutal winter here. I have the solar powered heater and keep it at the corner of the coop by the waterer. I do have a heated one but still have to replenish constantly but it does last longer
I try to give them food throughout the day just to keep them warm, and busy as they do get bored. Also a suggestion I bought an old xylophone and hang it upright so they can peck at the coloured keys. they seem to like it lol. musical hens.
I just love that idea of the xylophone! So fun and helps with winter boredom.
Thanks for sharing!
Tracy Lynn
I LOVE the xylophone idea! That’s awesome!!
Thank you for a great idea. Chickens get bored, I hang cabbage and apples on twine for my chickens to play with. They love it. If you do this, make sure you hand them low so the chickens can reach them.
Love this!
This was one of the most thorough and helpful articles. Thank you!
Great article. You really know your chickens and have explained it so well.
THANK YOU!
Thanks for your article. I was worried and annoyed by the Title because as you know nature does provide. I found it to be sensible.
Thank you for posting this article! I am a new chick owner and they are inside with us for now, but I’ve been worried about when winter rolls around again. Heat lamps scare me in a coop. Thanks to you, now I don’t have to worry about how to keep them warm:)
Thanks again!
Welcome to the chicken group, Staci! Having them is definitely not only entertaining but the eggs are so delicious!
Thank you so much! I’ve been wanting to get chickens but I was worried about taking good care of them. This was such a great article. Thank you!
Thanks so much for these great tips! First time chicken owner heading into first winter, trying to read all I can.
Good luck, Alana!
If you have any questions, just let me know
Tracy Lynn
If anyone finds a real solar heater will you please post a picture and where u found it. I have been searching but have not found one.
Yes, I have not used one myself. My chickens really do just fine without any supplemental heat and we get well below zero for a good portion of the winter. Trust your animals to acclimate to the weather. Just be sure they have a draft-free and dry place to roost at night, give them fresh water a few times throughout the day, and plenty of fresh food and they will do surprisingly well.
(but I will post a picture when I find one!)
Tracy Lynn
Count me as another first time chicken owner going into our first winter! We’re in Upstate NY, Finger Lakes region. We get freezing cold temps and our area is VERY windy. Our coop is off the ground and we put insulation in the floor, the walls, the ceiling, and the people doors. We just added some window plastic trim to assist in preventing drafts. Actually, that’s my biggest concern: drafts. We shored up all we can find (although, I think I can see two small possible draft areas). Anyhow, I’m a little obsessive about it (driving husband nuts), but I live by the “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” philosophy.
I appreciated all you shared in this post. We have a covered run (the sun was brutal this past summer and we needed to create more shade opportunities), but I can envision snow blowing into the run. I like your idea of putting down hay or straw to help.
Thanks again for sharing your wisdom. Stop on by my blog sometime and you can see the coop. Always wanting to learn from feedback!
Best,
Tracy (yup, I’m a Tracy Lynn too) 🙂
haha, love your name!
Yes, drafts are something that can hurt our girls just be sure you do still have ventilation. A vent at the top of the coop seems to work well for us. Just enough to keep the air a little less dusty and free of that strong ammonia smell that can happen.
Stay warm!
Tracy Lynn
Great article. We are up in the Yukon. It is mid-October, last night we had -16c and we already got our first snow yesterday.
Thanks for the intact bale ideas…good call! I am going to do that.
We use 2×4’s as roosts and we have 3 for 25 hens. They love them and it is way better for their feet.
Water freezing is a problem, but we just change it out several times a day even more every couple hours at -45 and below. We moved up here from Ontario Canada and I wish winter was as simple here as it was there! Anyway, We supplement with a fermented mash of the layer ration pellets with some scratch grains and corn mixed in it in the morning and around supper time. I let it ferment for 3 days in a bucket with a towel over it. They love it. We also supplement with table scraps, grass clippings, vegetables that the grocery store is throwing out especially in the winter. Pro-tip: most people have by this time butchered their pigs, turkeys etc….now you can get vegetables from the grocer and supplement your feeding for free. The chickens love the variety or fruits and vegetables. Water melon is a nice treat and apples that have been cored.
We always keep food with corn and scratch in the coop over night and have a constant feeder.
Our birds hate snow and rarely go out side between Oct and May. Our coop is a 12 x 8 foot old shed that I insulated with R20 insulation and bordered up on the inside with OSB sheeting. It is breathable as there is no vapour barrier and no house wrap. Plus keep in mind we live in the sub-arctic (Zone 2 for growing) and it is semi-arid.
We use the layering method and have about 1/2foot of poop and shavings on the floor. Then straw and I keep layering with both all winter to keep the ammonia smell down and this keeps it “warm”.
Our chickens are Red Leghorns that we raised from chicks. I use an LED bar from home hardware that I have on a timer that turns on at 8am and shuts off at 8pm. We live completely off grid. So no electric heat for the chickens or us. The chickens do fine in the winter so far. Big thing is keeping the light schedule as close to normal as possible for us. We generally only get 5 hours of light in the dead of winter and 24 sun in summer. So the light stays on all year round so as to not mess them up. This keeps production up and doesn’t tax our 1.5kw solar system. Egg production slows down a little but not much.
Big thing like country gal said, keep the coop dry, draft free is the key. When we do chicks in the spring they stay in my shop which is heated until they are old enough to be incorporated into the coop.
I love your website and this is a great article.
Hopefully my comment helps someone who is paranoid about keeping chickens in the winter.
All the best!
Thank you for all your tips, Marcus. Yes, we do the same with the water here as well. Change it out 3 times a day. That is what we find works best. Also, another tip is to pick up your birds often. This can really tell you if they are healthy and of good weight.
Tracy Lynn
Thanks for all the great info! We’re new to raising chickens and this will be our first winter with them. I’m going to try the hay bales. My only concern is that we have weird chickens. They refuse to use the roost! They all sleep on the floor(there are only 6). We’ve tried putting them on the roost in the evenings, but they just jump down. I think they’ll sleep on the bales… We switched to sand on the floors and that has worked well for us, but I’m wondering if I should put down wood chips on top for the winter?
Thanks!
Hello, Stacie!
Yes, chickens are crazy and very fickle for sure!
They very well may use the bales as roosts, be sure to keep the bales sideways so it is more comfortable for them to be on.
I am not a fan of sand as it is just way too heavy for me to clean out. We have a wood floor and for us the wood chips do very well on there. If you are using sand I would be hesitant to mix in wood as that would make cleanup even worse.
Your best best is to try sand this time around and change it up if you find it doesn’t work for you.
Good luck!
Tracy Lynn
Thanks for this, we’re in the Yukon too, also off grid and it’s hard finding sources that line up with our situation. So far I think my chickens are doing ok, they still move around and stuff so I don’t think they’re too cold but I worry. Another trick I heard from another off grid- no added heat chicken owner was to hang a thick blanket over the roosting area to block off some of the cold air at night.
For “dinner” my chickens have been getting scratch grain with oats and peas, corn, hemp seeds and blueberries. Then applesauce with cayenne pepper mixed in (suggested by another chicken lover) to warm them up!
Tervitused Estoniast!
Hea ja informatiivne artikkel. Mul ka mure kuidas kanad talve üle elavad et ei peaks kasutama elektrisoojendust. Sain palju targemaks. Tänan.
IN ENGLISH: Greetings from Estonia!
Good and informative article. I also have concerns about how chickens survive the winter so they shouldn’t use electric heating. I got a lot smarter. Thank you.
Welcome, Tessa!
I am glad you found this helpful. Good luck!
Tracy Lynn
I have read articles and was told by another chicken momma that cracked corn or whole corn kernels provide the chickens body with heat. So it’s best to give in moderation in the summer and to provide in the winter. Hope this tip helps!
Great tip!
Hi! We just recently got 10 chickens and are converting our shed into a coop for them. It’s a 10 x 12 shed and we are closing off 4ft from the back wall to use as storage for their feed. I’m wondering though, should we insulate the walls? My hubby has the plywood ready to go to just wall up the studs, but I’m wondering if it would help keep the chickens cool in the summer and a little warmer in the winter to put insulation first. We live in Virginia and this past winter we did have a lot of days just below 20F and nights almost reaching 0. Also, do you recommend windows on opposite walls from each other to create a cross breeze during the day? We’re gonna make sure to close them at night before bedtime for them.
Hello, Jisela!
I live in Pennsylvania and we have very cold winters and warm summers. We do not have insulation, however, I wish we did. If you can add it in without too much cost to you then it would be beneficial. Our chickens have done quite well living in an uninsulated coop. The trick is to allow them to adapt to the weather as things cool down or heat up. Then it is good to support them when it is very cold, extra bedding and very hot, frozen fruit, and plenty of fresh water.
the windows would help in the summer but it will make the coop colder in the winter. Just something to keep in mind.
Good luck!
Tracy Lynn
Hi,
Great Article! Just wondering if you have issues with mice or rats with the metal hanging feeder? Can rodents jump up to it? How high off the ground does it hang?
Thanks,
J
The feeder is hung to a height that is comfortable for your chickens to eat from comfortably, so that will all depend on their age. And yes I do believe mice and rats could jump in as they can pretty much do anything if food is the reason! The best I can tell you is, if rodents are an issue in your coop you will want to get that resolved and feed your hens outside until you do.
Hope this helps,
Tracy Lynn
I would make a cover for your feed if you have mice and rats. I used a cut out piece of paneling for a cover. I have no mice or rats so I just removed it. easy to refill. good luck.
Thank you for the article, it answered a lot of questions/worries I’ve had about taking care of my ladies during the winter!
Thanks again, Donna
It looks like the links you provided to show the feeder not to use and the on you suggest using (plastic vs rubberized) has a problem. They both link up to the same one, of course the one you don’t suggest. Are you suggesting just using a round, short sided, rubber feed bowl?
Loved article. Thanks.
Thank you for letting me know, Joan, the link has been updated! To clarify, I use the rubber bowl for water as I find it can withstand the repeated freezing without damage. I use the plastic hanging feeders for their feed.
Tracy Lynn
Such an informative article! It took a lot of the fear out of having my chickens over their first winter.
Great, Lisa, I am glad you found it helpful!
I enjoyed all your tips for winterizing our flock for winter.
The only issue I have is the mass amount of pop-ups that drive me crazy.
Sorry about that, Cris, however, those popups allow us to make an income with the information we share with our readers. Thank you for understanding and your support!
The weather this year has been wonky. We went from temps in the 80s to below freezing in a matter of a week. My hens are naked due to molting and were literally shivering. I turned on the heat lamp a couple days ago hoping to get them through until their feathers grow in. The wind chill was in the 20s and low 30s today. What should I be doing? Am I doing more harm than good?
Hi, Hollie,
I am sorry for the crazy weather. That can be really hard on chickens that are in molt. I would add in loads of straw to give them extra warmth. Also, increase their protein to help them grow back their feather more quickly. Another tip is after dark, go into the coop and make sure any chickens that are in heavy molt put them in the middle of the other hens. This will help her to stay a bit warmer. Finally, fill the nesting boxes with extra straw giving any hens that are cold a warm spot to go to.
I hope this helps!
Tracy Lynn
I’ve had chickens over 10-15 years and in the winter, I close off all the vents when it gets cold in the winter and open up the pop doors in the morning. I have insulated my coop. and my hens have stopped having frost bite on their combs. I’ve had no problems with them. I know it’s not wise to use heat lamps but I have one wired from the ceiling with a coat hanger and it can’t be knocked down or reached by the chickens.