Chicken Chatter Winter Feeding Guide
Feeding Poultry in Winter Boosting Energy and Supporting Digestion During Cold Weather
By Alexandra Doss
As winter approaches, poultry keepers must adjust their feeding practices to ensure their birds stay healthy, maintain good energy levels and continue producing eggs or growing through the colder months. Just like any livestock, chickens, ducks, quail and other poultry face increased challenges when temperatures drop. They expend more energy to keep warm and their digestive systems can be affected by the cold. Understanding how to properly feed poultry during winter is key to keeping your flock in optimal condition.
Let’ s explore the essential aspects of feeding poultry in winter, focusing on boosting their energy levels, supporting digestion and making sure they have the nutrition they need to thrive even when the mercury dips.
The Impact of Cold Weather
Winter presents several challenges for poultry. Birds must use more energy to stay warm, which can increase their caloric needs. In addition, the lack of fresh forage( like grass and insects) means poultry must rely more heavily on stored feed, which may lack some of the variety and nutrients that birds naturally access in warmer months.
Digestive health can also be impacted during winter, especially in cases where birds are confined to coops for long periods due to snow or cold. Reduced activity and changes in diet can lead to digestive sluggishness, so providing feeds that support good gut health is critical.
28 AcreageLife January 2025 AcreageLife. com