Are you new to raising chickens and worried about how they will handle the cold winter months? Having kept chickens for almost a decade, I can tell you that the fears are often unfounded. While winterizing your coop does require attention, mature laying hens are surprisingly cold-hardy when given the proper care.
Natural Cold Hardiness
Chickens come with a natural defense against the cold: their feathers. Their down coats, consisting of layers of feathers, help maintain a body temperature of around 106°F (41°C), even in cold weather. Most chicken breeds, especially those with dense feathers and heavier bodies, like Welsummers and Buff Orpingtons, can comfortably tolerate low temperatures. When chickens huddle together, they share body heat, providing additional warmth.
Winterizing the Coop
A well-prepared chicken coop is key to keeping your flock comfortable. Chickens produce heat through their body warmth and respiration, which can raise the temperature inside a closed coop by 10°F or more. To winterize your coop, start by sealing windows and cracks to prevent cold drafts from reaching the roosts. However, it’s essential to leave some ventilation open to avoid excessive humidity, which can lead to respiratory issues.
If your coop has enough space, adding bales of hay under the roost or along the walls can help create bioheat. Smaller coops may benefit from extra insulation, such as covering them with blankets or tarps. In large coops, consider lowering the ceiling or adding temporary walls to reduce the area the chickens need to heat.
For the floor, use biodegradable bedding such as straw, hay, or dry leaves. This will help maintain warmth and create a comfortable surface for the chickens. Some hens like to keep the center of the coop clear for dust baths, so placing bedding along the edges is a good idea. Be sure to stockpile more leaves to spread outside the coop to protect your chickens’ feet from slush and ice, especially if they have feathered feet, as they are prone to frostbite in snowy conditions.
To Heat or Not to Heat?
In regions where winter temperatures rarely dip below 15°F (-9°C), heating the coop is generally unnecessary if it’s properly insulated. In such cases, you can use simple methods like filling plastic jugs with hot water and placing them in the coop to provide a bit of extra warmth during especially cold nights.
In areas with harsher winters, where temperatures regularly drop to 10°F (-12°C) or lower, an electric water defroster is a great investment. These devices keep water from freezing and also radiate enough warmth to create a comfortable spot where chickens can gather. In my own experience, I’ve used a water defroster for over eight years, and it’s proven to be a reliable solution.
In extremely cold climates, keeping the chickens’ living space slightly above freezing may be necessary. In some cases, this could mean relocating your flock to a heated garage or barn. Just be cautious: one of my friends learned the hard way when she accidentally left her house door ajar, and her entire flock roosted happily on her bed.
Safe Heating Options
If you choose to use a heater, avoid traditional heat lamps, which can pose a fire risk, especially with the dust that builds up in chicken coops. Instead, consider these safer alternatives:
- Mount a small electric lamp inside a metal garbage can with the shade removed, creating a makeshift heater. You’ll need to cut a hole for the cord.
- Another option is to place a light bulb inside a concrete block and use a heat-proof surface, such as a concrete stepping stone, to hold it in place. Cover the bulb with a clay saucer or piece of metal roofing, and place a container of water on top to prevent freezing while adding a small amount of heat to the coop.
With these strategies, you can ensure your chickens stay warm and healthy through the winter months.