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If you worry about your flock in the cold weather, this winter chicken feed recipes list will help warm up your hens. Keep them all in your chicken care binder so you can use them each year when winter rolls around.

Raising chickens that can handle the weather is a great way to have a hardy coop of egg-laying hens. Food plays an important part of boosting the immune system in not only our chickens but all of our livestock.

The older I get, the more I struggle with the cold. It’s almost as if the weather has found a way to get into my bones, making me feel chilled from the inside out. When I get this way, the only thing that helps is a hot drink. Just a few sips in, I begin to feel better, and my body gets warmer as I find my way to the bottom of the cup.

Many times, our animals feel the same, and sometimes, all you need to do to help them cope better with the cold weather is feed them something that will help them warm up.

What temperature is too cold for chickens in the winter?

Chickens are pretty hardy and adapt well to the changing weather even here in Northwestern Pennsylvania, but temperatures below 32°F (0°C) can begin to pose challenges for your flock.

While most chicken breeds can handle cold temperatures, they run the risk of a decreased immune system and slower egg production if they do not have good shelter and nutrition.

If you are worried about your chickens, watch for these signs.

Frostbite on combs and/or wattles.

If you see black spots on your chicken’s comb or wattle, there is a chance they have frostbite.

Huddling for warmth

It is common for chickens to huddle together on a roost at night to help them stay warmer, but if you see it happening throughout the day, you may want to intervene.

Reduced egg-laying

Another sign that your flock is suffering from the cold is if you see a reduction in eggs. Cold chickens will use a lot of energy to help them stay warm, leaving them little energy to lay eggs. Fewer eggs may mean there is an issue with your flock.

How to Prepare Your Chickens for Winter

Chickens may seem fragile at first look, but if given the chance and a bit of support, they can handle more than we may realize. This includes the cold, wet, windy weather of winter. Over the years, we have learned some great tips that we use to help our flock adjust naturally to the cold. You can read all of those tips here: How to Keep Chickens Warm Without Electricity; here are our top three tips.

#1. Let your chickens adapt naturally

In the summer, chickens put all their energy into laying eggs. As the weather cools off egg production may slow down as your hens use that energy to grow thicker feathers that they will need for the winter months. You may see a thick layer of soft, downy feathers growing. These feathers will give a fluffy appearance and keep them warm throughout the winter.

#2. Give adequate shelter

You will want to be sure your coop is winter-ready and can effectively keep your flock warm and dry while still providing adequate airflow.

#3. Give Nourishing Feed

Finally, give your flock the best feed that will help give them the energy they need to stay warm, fight off sickness, and still produce eggs throughout the winter.

Winter Chicken Feed Recipes

One of the most effective ways to support your flock is by giving them nutritious feed that will boost their energy and immune systems so they can better handle the demands of cold, wet weather.

For our flock, we mainly feed a crumble mix we purchase locally and add in these recipes in the winter to give them the boost they need to thrive.

Recipe #1: Warm Morning Mash

This warm mash is perfect for colder weather, providing carbohydrates, nutrients, and vitamins to keep your flock healthy and warm. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover cooked root vegetables from your own meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oats
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup chopped fresh greens (kale, spinach, etc.)
• ½ cup cooked and chopped sweet potatoes or other root vegetables

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the rolled oats and water to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes until the oats are soft and creamy.
3. Add in the chopped greens and root vegetables and stir until well combined.
4. Let cool before serving to your chickens.

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Recipe #2: Chicken Treat Top Dress

This chicken treat top dress is a great source of healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to give your chickens the energy they need to stay warm and active during the winter months.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cracked corn
• 3 cups wheat berries
• 2 cups peas
• 1 cup black oil sunflower seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Store in an airtight container until ready to feed your chickens.
3. Sprinkle a layer over your regular feed to encourage your entire flock to eat more, keeping their energy levels where they need to be.

Recipe #3: Scratch Grains Mix

This mix provides a fun and interactive way for your chickens to search for their food, while also providing them with essential nutrients to keep them healthy during the winter. Scratching for treats is a great way to get your chickens up and moving.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cracked corn
• 2 cups oats
• 2 cups black oil sunflower seeds
• 1 cup barley

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. Store in an airtight container until ready to feed your chickens.
3. Scatter on the ground or in a feeding trough for your chickens to peck and scratch at.

In addition to these recipes, it’s essential that your flock has access to clean water at all times. During the winter, water can easily freeze over, so it’s important to check and refill their water source regularly.

We like to change out the coop water a few times a day when the temperatures are below freezing. Another option is to invest in a heated waterer for your coop. I have never tried one, but they are becoming more popular and something you might want to try out if you are worried about their water.

Taking care of chickens during the winter months does call for more attention than in the summer months, but with the right shelter, fresh daily water, and the best feed, you can ensure your flock stays happy and healthy.

Incorporate a few of these winter chicken feed recipes into your flock’s care routine and help your birds handle the winter weather. Now, you can relax knowing that your chickens are warm even when the snow is piling up outside your window.

More Winter Chicken Care:

• How to Prepare Your chicken Coop for Winter
• What to Feed Chickens in Winter
• How to Keep Free Range Chickens Warm in Winter