01/12/2025
Winter hits and suddenly every chicken keeper is Googling like their flock is made of glass. Relax. Your birds are tougher than they look, they just need the basics dialed in.
Here’s how to actually prepare your chickens for winter without overcomplicating your entire life:
• Dry, draft-free coop:
Not airtight… just enough to stop the wind tunnel effect. Moisture is the real villain of winter.
• Deep, dry bedding:
Pine shavings, straw, whatever you use… keep it fresh and fluffy. Cold + damp = frostbite city.
• Boost their nutrition:
Winter digestion slows down, and chickens burn more calories just staying warm. Extra protein and daily herbs support warmth, immunity, and energy.
• Keep water thawed:
Chickens need consistent hydration or egg production nosedives. Heated waterer, rubber bowls, whatever keeps it from turning into a bird popsicle.
• Safe outdoor time:
Some birds will brave the snow, others act like the apocalypse arrived. Both are normal. Just give them safe, snow-free spots to scratch if they need it.
• Watch those combs and toes:
Frostbite happens when moisture meets cold. Keep the coop dry and you’ve solved 90% of it.
Winter doesn’t have to be dramatic. Handle the essentials and your birds will stay warm, active, and clucking along until spring.
buffclucks.com
