Poultry Lifestyle Keeping Your Chickens Warm

By Eric Stomberg

Protecting Your Flock From the Elements

While the cold is a concern, the real threats to your flock are drafts and humidity. A well-insulated coop can protect your birds from extreme temperatures, but it’ s essential to strike the right balance between ventilation and draft prevention

Proper ventilation removes moisture and stale air, keeping the coop dry and healthy. The humidity inside the coop primarily comes from the chickens’ breath and waste, so it’ s vital to ensure there’ s enough airflow to keep the space dry without creating drafts( cold air currents that can directly hit your birds), particularly on their perches, where they spend most of their time. To avoid this, position ventilation openings above the perches.

This setup allows air to circulate and humidity to escape without exposing your flock to chilling breezes.

Keep Your Chickens Laying During Dark Days

Another major wintertime challenge is the lack of daylight, which affects egg production. Chickens need about 15 hours of light daily to lay consistently, and the short days of winter can significantly reduce output. Adding timed lighting to the coop can help mimic these daylight hours.

The best approach is to add light in the morning rather than extending it into the evening. For example, if sunset is at 4:30 p. m., set the lights to turn on at 1:30 a. m. This ensures your birds experience a natural sunset, which signals them to return to their perches for the night. A consistent lighting schedule can make a significant difference in egg production and the overall well-being of your flock.

While there are many other considerations for winter chicken keeping, addressing humidity, drafts and lighting are some of the most critical steps. By focusing on these areas, you’ ll create a warm, dry and productive environment for your flock, ensuring they thrive even during the coldest months of the year.

13 AcreageLife January 2025 AcreageLife. com