Winter chicken care: tips to keep your flock safe, healthy + warm

Even though spring is here, many backyard chicken keepers are still dealing with unpredictable temperatures, lingering snow, and chilly nights. Whether you’re prepping for next winter or trying to get through the last of the cold, here are some practical, tried-and-true tips to help your flock thrive in colder weather.

1. Use feed to help generate body heat

As temperatures drop, chickens burn more calories to stay warm. Offering high-energy treats like scratch grains or whole corn (especially in the late afternoon) can help fuel their internal furnace. These calorie-dense feeds give their metabolism a boost and help them generate heat from the inside out.

You don’t need to completely switch feeds, but scratch grains make a great supplement in cold weather. Just feed in moderation to avoid weight gain or imbalanced nutrition.

2. Ferment feed for hydration and immunity

Fermented feed is a great option year-round, but especially helpful in colder months when chickens may drink less. The fermentation process naturally introduces probiotics that support gut health and boost the immune system.

To ferment your feed:

• Place grains in a container and cover with water.
• Stir daily and top off with water as needed.
• Feed after 2–4 days (or when it smells pleasantly sour—like yogurt or sourdough).
• Make sure the feed is always covered with water and check for mold before feeding to chickens.

It’s an easy way to improve digestion, hydration, and flock health with minimal effort.

3. Keep water from freezing

Frozen water can quickly become a daily headache in winter. If your region still has freezing temps, a small water heater can make a big difference.

In our coop, we use a DIY bucket with nipple-style drinkers in our chicken coop. For our quail we use a bucket that has a drip line down to the nipple-style drinkers. But when those freeze they can break, but a low-wattage water heater keeps things flowing without the need to replace ice blocks every few hours. If you’re running power to your coop (or have an extension cord like we use), this is a simple upgrade that will save you time and hassle.

4. Prevent frostbite with proper ventilation

Frostbite is more about moisture and humidity build up than actual cold. Chicken droppings contain a lot of water, and if your coop isn’t well ventilated, that moisture builds up—creating conditions for frostbite on combs, wattles, and toes.

The fix? Good airflow. Make sure your coop has proper ventilation, not just insulation. Keep bedding clean and dry, and if needed, apply petroleum jelly to combs and wattles as a preventative measure.

If frostbite does occur, gently warm affected areas with lukewarm water or a warm (not hot) compress—never rub or expose to high heat.

5. Understand the role of light in egg production

Cold weather doesn’t stop chickens from laying—shorter daylight hours do. Chickens need about 14–16 hours of light daily to stay in lay. As daylight decreases in late fall and winter, it’s completely normal for hens to take a break.

We let our hens rest naturally, but if you prefer to maintain egg production, a small light in the coop on a timer can help. Just be sure to increase light gradually to avoid stressing your flock.

6. Watch for predators

Predators get hungrier in winter, when natural prey is harder to find. This can lead to an increase in activity around your coop—even during early spring.

We use a combination of tools to keep our flock safe:

• Carabiner clips on gate latches
• Double-barrel bolts on nesting boxes
• Predator apron (we make ours using hog panels)
• Trail cameras to monitor nighttime activity

If you want to see our exact setup, we have a free predator prevention video here and a list of our go-to tools HERE.

Bonus tip: Try chopped alfalfa hay for deep litter or run cover

If you live in an area with heavy snow, chopped alfalfa hay (not long-stem) is a great option to spread in the coop or run. It adds insulation, gives your chickens something to scratch through, and they’ll even snack on it throughout the day. Just make sure it’s chopped, as long strands can cause impaction.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re dealing with lingering snow or just planning ahead, keeping your chickens comfortable through cold weather doesn’t have to be complicated. A few thoughtful adjustments can make a huge difference in your flock’s health and happiness.

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