Poultry Lifestyle Winter Coop Prep

By Eric Stromberg

Like it or not, colder weather is creeping closer. And while your chickens are tougher than you might think, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping both you and your flock comfortable all winter long.

Let’ s discuss what to keep in mind as you set up your coop for the season ahead.

Safety First— for You and Your Helpers

Before thinking about your birds, think about the people who care for them. Clear, ice-free walkways are a must. If you ever have to ask a neighbor to check on your flock, you want to prevent any potential accidents such as slipping on snow or ice.

Also consider logistics: where are you pulling feed and water from? Hauling a five-gallon waterer across a long, frozen path isn’ t just inconvenient— it’ s downright unpleasant. The easier you make it, the more likely your chicken chores will go smoothly.

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Warm, But Ventilated

Chickens can handle the cold better than many realize. Their body heat helps keep them comfortable, especially if the coop is insulated. But insulation alone isn’ t enough— ventilation is just as critical.

The trick is to remove warm, moist air from the highest point in the coop without letting cold drafts blow directly on your birds. Too much moisture can cause frostbite and respiratory issues. A coop that’ s both insulated and ventilated strikes the perfect balance.

To Heat or Not to Heat?

Heating your coop isn’ t always necessary— after all, chickens run warm with a body temperature of about 107 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you do decide to add supplemental heat, do it safely.

Every winter, there are stories of coops lost to fires caused by heat lamps or unsecured bulbs. If you are using a 250-watt bulb, make sure it can’ t fall into

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