Additional Winter Care Tips for Poultry

In addition to adjusting feed, there are a few other steps you can take to help keep your flock healthy and comfortable during winter:

• Make sure your poultry have access to a warm, dry area that’ s protected from wind and snow. Insulated coops and deep litter bedding can help retain heat and keep birds cozy.

• Regularly check your birds for weight loss or signs of stress. Birds that are losing weight or look lethargic may need more calories or a higher-energy diet to stay healthy.

• In winter, shorter daylight hours often cause a reduction in egg production. If you want to maintain egg laying, consider adding supplemental lighting to extend“ daylight” hours in the coop. Ideally, 14-16 hours is needed for egg production to continue during the off season.

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Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to waterers( around 1 tablespoon per gallon) is believed to aid digestion and support a healthy gut. This practice is often used by poultry keepers to keep birds healthy, particularly during stressful periods.

In addition to grit, which helps birds properly digest fiber foods that are common in winter diets, like grain and scratch, other digestive supplements are:

• Oregano Oil: Known for its natural antibacterial properties, oregano oil can support digestion and help reduce harmful bacteria, especially beneficial in the winter when birds may be more confined.

• Garlic: Adding garlic powder to feed or fresh garlic to water can boost immune support and help maintain good gut bacteria.

• Electrolytes: In the colder months, birds can sometimes drink less water. Electrolytes can keep them hydrated and support nutrient absorption.

Feeding Strategies for Cold Weather Feed Early and Late

To ensure your birds have plenty of energy throughout the day and night, try feeding them first thing in the morning and offering another feeding in the late afternoon or evening. The morning feed provides energy for the day, while the evening feed helps them stay warm overnight.

Free-Choice Feeding

Allowing your birds to eat free choice can help ensure they’ re getting enough calories during the winter. Birds

will naturally eat more when it’ s cold, so make sure their feeders are always stocked, and consider switching to a higher-energy or winter-specific feed if necessary.

Avoid Moldy or Spoiled Feed

While it’ s tempting to offer stored grains or feed during winter, it’ s critical to ensure it hasn’ t spoiled. Moldy feed can cause serious health issues in poultry, including respiratory problems and digestive upset. Always check feed for freshness, especially if it has been stored for long periods.

Feeding poultry in winter requires some adjustments to ensure your flock stays warm, healthy and productive. By boosting energy through increased calories, providing whole grains for slow-burning heat and supporting digestion with probiotics and grit, you can help your birds thrive during the cold months. With proper care and a well-balanced diet, your poultry can not only survive but also continue to thrive, laying eggs and growing strong, even when the weather outside is frightful.

About the Author:

Alexandra Doss has been working with poultry for over 18 years. Known as the Quail Lady, as Coturnix quail was her first specialty on her selective breeding operation, Stellar Game Birds, Poultry, Waterfowl LLC in Florida. She has written two books on Coturnix husbandry. She and her husband focus on breeding heritage animals and breed preservation.

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