how to keep coop warm in winter
This guide on how to keep coop warm in winter will help you give your chickens a cozy space to stay throughout the colder months. From tips on insulation, keeping the floor warm, outside protection, and heat, we will cover it all so you can choose the best options for you.
Raising chickens in the winter is easier when you know they have a home that is warm, dry, and protected.
Homesteading in the north can bring a few challenges when it comes to raising animals. The non-stop rain and mud in the spring, the dry, hot heat of summer, the damp winds in the fall, and the cold snow in the winter really do keep you on your toes.
When you raise livestock, housing is always something that we are giving our attention to. Checking and updating as we see issues pop up, we are constantly trying to stay one step ahead of things.
When it comes to winter, we are even more aware because we know what is coming. The cold, the wet, and the snow.
Keep your coop warm and help your flock to thrive while keeping your eggs from freezing in the winter.
Can chickens do okay in the winter?
It might surprise you to know that chickens actually do quite well in cold weather. Their downy feathers near their skin do a good job of keeping them insulated from the cold.
As long as you have a warm coop, the best winter feed, fresh, clean water, and insulated nesting boxes, your flock will do well.
How to Keep a Coop Warm in Winter
While your chickens are busy growing their winter feathers, you will have time to get their coop cozy and protected before the worst of the weather hits.
Start up high and work your way down, ensuring you look at each area of the coop.
Roof
The roof should be in good repair and leak-free. If you notice any damage, it’s best to fix it before the winter weather sets in. Check for loose or missing shingles, holes, or cracks that could allow rain or snow to seep in.
Ventilation
If you have one, inspect the air vent in your coop. Clean the vent and remove any dust and cobwebs that might interfere with airflow.
Windows
Check each window for cracks or leaks and plug up any holes you find. For added warmth, you can hang curtains on the inside. They will keep the coop warmer and give a quaint look inside.
Walls
Make sure your coop walls are sealed, and there aren’t any gaps or holes where drafts could enter. Caulking and weatherstripping can help with this.
If you have it in the budget, consider adding insulation between the walls of your coop for added warmth.
Flooring
If possible, elevate your chicken coop off the ground to keep the floor warm and prevent moisture from damaging the wood. We have our shed on cinderblocks, bringing it up a few inches. Since chickens do not have feathers on their feet, a warmer floor will help to keep them warmer overall.
Coop Door
The door to your chicken coop will be open several times a day for feeding and cleaning, so make sure it closes tightly and has good weatherstripping to prevent drafts.
Insulating For Warmth
In addition you can also do a few things inside the coop to keep the different areas warmer.
Roost
Be sure your roost is in the warmest part of the coop, and it is strong and sturdy. Many times, your flock will huddle together in the winter to keep warm, so you will want to be sure your roost can handle the weight of multiple birds in one area.
Nesting Boxes
Fill each nesting box with plenty of warm straw or hay. This will give a warm space for your hens to lay their eggs and keep the eggs from freezing until you are able to collect them.
The Floor
To help your chickens stay warm, you will want to have a thick layer of bedding on the ground inside the coop. I like to use wood shavings, giving them a thick layer to start with.
Every few days, I toss fresh shavings on top of the old, keeping things dry while creating this thick barrier of insulation on the cold ground.
This is called the Deep Litter Method, and it is pretty effective in a winter coop.
What is the best bedding for chickens in winter?
When it comes to choosing the best bedding for chickens in winter, there are several options. Wood shavings are my top pick for a few reasons, first they are easy to use, do a great job at abosrbing moisture and smell, and are affordable.
Straw is another good option, providing warmth and cushioning and is easy to find. Straw does not stay as dry as shavings do making it a little tricky to keep things dry.
Sawdust and sand are another option, but they are not my go to for winter bedding.
Overall, wood shavings are the best way to go if you want a dry, dust-free coop floor.
The Interior
For the last six years, I have lined the inside of our coop with bales of straw, which acts as a wall of protection against the cold winds.
Not only do the bales keep the coop warmer, but they also give our hens a place to stand that is up off the ground.
SLCG Pro Tip: In the spring, you can add the bales to your garden or compost bin.
Additional Tips to Keep the Coop Warm
There are a few more tips you can use to keep your coop warmer in the winter, but they do come with a risk. Please only use these tips at your own discretion and take every precaution to ensure everyone is safe if you do.
Heat Lamps
Heat lamps are an option you can use, but not one I recommend. I used lamps when I first started, but eventually, we went without them. If you allow your chickens to acclimate to the weather, naturally, they will grow the feathers they need to stay warm and dry.
If you do choose to use a heat lamp, please make sure it is secured in place and not at risk of falling or coming into contact with any bedding or straw in the coop.
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Heated Water Bowls or Bottles
Another option is to provide your chickens with heated water bowls to prevent their water from freezing.
Again, please take all necessary precautions and regularly check on the equipment to ensure it is functioning properly and not causing any hazards.
Heated Floor Mats
Some chicken owners swear by heated floor mats to keep their coop warm. However, these can be costly and may not be suitable for all coops. Do your research and consider the cost and potential risks before investing in this option.
Upkeep
Every week, check the coop and add in extra bedding as needed.
- Stuff more straw in the nesting boxes.
- Add a fresh layer of bedding onto the floor.
- Clean off any dust from the vents.
- Check the windows and doors for ice or leaks.
Keeping your chickens warm in the cold weather is an important part of homesteading. Using the deep litter method, insulating the coop, and providing additional warmth for eggs are all effective ways to ensure your flock stays cozy.
Remember to monitor your chickens’ behavior and condition regularly to ensure they are healthy and comfortable, ensuring those farm-fresh eggs keep coming all winter long.
