[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Preparing Your Chicken Coop<\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Chicken coops greatly affect how comfortable your chickens are during the winter. There are important steps to take when preparing your coop for cold weather.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n Ventilation is crucial in keeping your flock dry and warm. Without proper ventilation in your chicken coop, the natural moisture chickens create will freeze and make them colder than air circulation would. Lack of ventilation can also increase the risk of frostbite on combs and wattles, moldy bedding, and respiratory infections.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n While it is important to have ventilation, a chicken coop should not allow large amounts of airflow through any openings in the coop. If there are holes or cracks in your chicken coop, seal these up before winter. Do not seal ventilation vents or openings.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n Adult chickens have an internal temperature\u00a0between 105<\/span>\u2109<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>and 107<\/span>\u2109.\u00a0<\/span>Chickens can generate a lot of heat and will huddle together inside the coop for warmth. Adding additional insulation to the coop can also keep some of their body heat inside. There are a few ways to add additional insulation to a chicken coop.<\/p>\n One of the popular methods is the deep litter method. Start with a 3-4 inch layer of litter, and once a week, add a new layer of litter on top of the old litter. You can turn the litter yourself or add some scratch to have your chickens do it for you. The decomposing bedding will generate heat for the coop, and at the end of the winter, you will have 8-12 inches of odorless compost for your garden.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Your flock may not want to leave the chicken coop on super cold days. Providing them with food, water, and entertainment, such as hanging cabbages, ladders, mirrors, etc., is important. Read our\u00a0<\/span>winter boredom hacks for chickens<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>for more ways to entertain your chickens during winter.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Not only is it important to prep your chicken coop for winter, but it is also important to prep your chicken run or outdoor space that your chickens use. Using materials like tarps to cover the run will help keep weather elements out of the run, such as rain, wind, and snow.\u00a0 Keeping the run comfortable for your chickens during winter is essential for encouraging them to have an area to get sunshine and fresh air.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n One of the biggest factors to watch out for during cold weather is frostbite. Frostbite occurs when extremely cold, windy, and damp weather conditions cause blood flow to redirect to the vital organs to keep them warm. As a result, the extremities receive less blood flow, and the fluid beneath the skin becomes more vulnerable to freeze. This results in cell damage and an eventual darkening of the affected area as tissue death occurs. Luckily, frostbite develops in stages, and knowing what to look for can help you better protect your flock.\u00a0<\/p>\n Combs and wattles are the most susceptible to frostbite. Especially if your chickens have large combs like carnation, single, or buttercup combs.\u00a0<\/p>\n There are a few ways to prevent frostbite, including:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n During the winter months, chickens will not lay as many eggs, if any at all. When chickens lay eggs, they generally need a diet with lots of protein. Because chickens are not laying eggs during winter, their diet will change to a diet with lots of carbs. Carbohydrates will actually increase the body temperature of your chickens. So feeding them warm treats and treats with high carbs is a great way to warm your chickens up. These treats include:<\/p>\n In addition to their treats with high carbs, layer feed should still be given to them for nutritional purposes.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVentilation<\/h3>\n
Prevent Cold Drafts<\/h3>\n
Additional Insulation<\/h3>\n
Entertainment<\/h3>\n
Preparing Your Chicken Coop<\/h2>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nCaring For Your\u00a0Chickens\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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Diet<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/ul>\n
Water<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Since there are limited dry areas during the winter for a dust bath, creating a specific area for your chickens to dust bathe is very important. Dust bathing is a way for chickens to clean themselves, prevents parasites, and helps exfoliate a chicken’s skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n