With colder weather and shorter days, it's always a good thing to give your chickens a little extra care and attention. Here are some things to consider.
Tip #1 Make sure your chickens have access to drinking water
Access to drinking water is extremely important for chickens. Their drinking water can (and will) freeze in cold weather. Metal water dishes/containers freeze much faster, so a plastic water container is better. Containers with more volume will take longer to freeze but they have to be of the appropriate (and safe) size for your hens. Keeping the container insulated off the ground and positioning it in the sun can help. Some keepers put ping-pong balls in the water dish to add some movement to the water surface to help. But avoid putting a water dish in the roosting area (where you think it might be warmer) because it will get dirty and make their bedding damp.
The most important thing is to check their water throughout the day and replace ice with water.
Tip #2 Protect from draughts
There is a balance between insulation and ventilation. Ventilation is important to keep the chickens environment healthy especially in their sleeping quarters. But cold draughts are not appreciated. If the coop has draughty gaps or doors, repair them, or try extra coverings over the coop. Even a thin tarpaulin can keep draughts at bay. Think about arranging the sleeping compartments so that the hens can sleep snuggled together for warmth if they wish.
Tip #3. Update the cleaning schedule
With shorter daylight hours, chickens will spend a more time in their coop, which inevitably means more mess. Keep them dry and clean and make sure they have warm bedding. Wood shavings on the floor with straw bedding are some common choices of materials.
Tip #4. Make sure they have adequate food!
Some food source are more scarce, especially for free ranging hens. Make sure they have good quality and appropriate food available at all times. A mixed corn treat in the afternoon will help to create warmth as it's digested overnight.
Also, wild animals (for example mice) are also extra hungry and will seek out hen's food. Keep the hen's food out of reach of those unwanted diners! As well as the usual chicken welfare considerations, not feeding the mice also means there is more food for your hens!
Tip #5 Give the chickens some shelter
A cold hen can look really sad and miserable! Providing some shelter from the elements will be welcome, and help to keep the hens healthier and safer from the negative effect of the elements.
Where to shop for your Hens this winter
Widmer Feeds are a family run business, stocking a comprehensive selection of products for chickens, horses, cats, dogs and more! You can find us just outside Princes Risborough on Pink Road Lacey Green, HP27 0PG.
Come along to see our our comprehensive range of chicken feeders, equipment, food, chicken houses, bedding and heath-care products, or see our chicken products online.