🐓❄️ Keeping Your Flock Safe, Healthy & Comfortable
As winter approaches, poultry owners need to take extra steps to ensure chickens, ducks, and other birds remain healthy, comfortable, and safe during the colder months. Cold temperatures, wet weather, and shorter daylight hours can all affect your flock, but with proper care, you can help them thrive all season long.
1. Provide Safe and Warm Shelter
Ensure coops and housing are well-insulated, draft-free, but properly ventilated. Good airflow is essential to prevent moisture buildup, reduce the risk of respiratory issues, and keep your birds warm during frosty nights.
2. Keep Water Fresh and Accessible
Winter weather can quickly freeze water ❄️. Consider heated waterers or check water supplies frequently to make sure your flock always has access to clean, unfrozen water.
3. Ensure Adequate Nutrition
Cold weather increases birds’ energy needs. Provide high-quality feed and consider adding extra grains or supplements to help them maintain body warmth and strength.
4. Safe and Dry Ground
Winter can turn paddocks and runs into muddy, slippery areas 🌧️. Rubber chippings are an excellent solution — they drain efficiently, reduce mud, and provide a stable, safe footing that protects feet and claws while making maintenance much easier.
5. Maintain Hygiene and Reduce Stress
Keep bedding clean and dry, remove droppings regularly, and ensure birds have space to move and access sheltered outdoor areas. Overcrowding and damp conditions increase stress and the risk of illness.
6. Extra Winter Tips
- Add extra straw or shavings for warmth and comfort 🛏️
- Monitor for frostbite on combs and wattles ❄️
- Check feeders and waterers multiple times a day 🔄
💡 Pro Tip: Incorporating rubber chippings under runs and around shelters helps reduce maintenance, keeps the area clean, and provides a healthier environment for your flock all winter long.
