(Or: How to Keep Your Bougie Backyard Birds Alive When It’s Freezing)
So you’ve got chickens. They’re laying eggs, pecking around the yard, and maybe even following you like confused toddlers with feathers. But then winter hits—and suddenly, your cozy little homestead feels more like “Survivor: Arctic Edition.” Don’t panic. Your chickens aren’t as delicate as they act. With a little prep (and maybe some heated gossip with the hens), they’ll make it through winter like feathery champs.
Let’s get into it.
1. Chickens Are Built Tough (Mostly)
Fun fact: chickens are basically wearing a built-in down jacket 24/7. As long as they’re fully feathered and healthy, they can handle cold weather way better than you think. But just like us, they draw the line at frozen water bowls and arctic wind gusts.
Exception: If your chickens are fancy breeds like Silkies, Frizzles, or Polish—the kind that look like they moonlight at fashion week—they’re gonna need some extra TLC.
2. Coop Goals: Dry, Draft-Free, and Drama-Free
Your coop doesn’t have to be a chicken palace, but it should be:
- Draft-free (but ventilated!)
- Dry (no leaks, no soggy bedding)
- Snug enough for them to huddle up without fighting for space
Pro tip: Ventilation is your BFF. Chickens create a lot of moisture (ew, but true), and if you trap that inside, it can cause frostbite—especially on their combs and wattles. Think “let the moist air out but keep cold wind from whipping through.”
3. Bedding: Get That Fluff Game Strong
Use deep litter method like a winter magic trick. Layer pine shavings, straw, and chicken poop (yes, really) to create a compost-y floor that actually generates heat. Chickens will snuggle right in like it’s an Airbnb with heated floors.
Skip the cedar shavings—too intense on their little respiratory systems. Go for pine or straw like a classy barn influencer.
4. Keep the Water Flowing (Literally)
Frozen water = angry chickens. And trust me, hangry and dehydrated is not a cute look on your flock.
Options to stay one step ahead of Elsa:
- Heated waterers (fancy, but worth it)
- Rubber bowls (easy to dump ice)
- Bringing water out multiple times a day like a peasant servant to your bird queens
Whatever works. Just don’t let them go without water.
5. Food Is Fuel (and also Vibes)
In cold weather, your birds are burning more calories to stay warm. Give them:
- More high-quality feed
- Snacks like cracked corn at night (it helps keep them warm)
- Kitchen scraps (veggie ends, oatmeal, cooked rice, etc.)
Winter is not the time to go on a chicken diet. This is bulking season, baby.
6. Light It Up (Maybe)
Chickens need about 14–16 hours of light to keep laying eggs regularly. So unless you’re cool with an egg hiatus, consider adding a soft light in the coop.
BUT don’t blast them with 24/7 spotlight like you’re directing a chicken reality show. That’s stressful and weird. Use a timer and keep it chill—warm light, early morning only.
7. Frostbite Is Not Cute
Those floppy combs and wattles are adorable until winter turns them into little icicles. You can:
- Rub some petroleum jelly on their combs and wattles like a hydrating serum
- Make sure your coop isn’t too humid or drafty (see #2)
If you see black tips, that’s frostbite—treat it with care, not panic. And if it’s severe, call your chicken vet (yes, that’s a thing).
8. Let Them Be Chickens (Even in Snow)
They might look shocked when snow first appears (“what is this white nonsense??”) but chickens can go outside in winter. Just:
- Clear a path or shovel out a little area
- Throw down straw or hay so their toes aren’t freezing
- Offer treats to lure them out (bribery = always effective)
Some breeds don’t mind snow at all. Others will act like you just canceled their favorite TV show. Respect it.
9. Watch for Boredom-Induced Chaos
Winter means less foraging and more coop time. If you’ve got more than a couple divas in the mix, boredom = pecking drama.
Keep ‘em busy:
- Hang a cabbage like a chicken tetherball
- Toss scratch grains in straw so they have to dig
- DIY treat blocks, swings, mirrors, whatever
Bored chickens = mean girls. Entertain them like the reality stars they are.
10. Don’t Stress Too Much
Honestly, chickens have been surviving winter long before we came along with our heat lamps and herbal balms. If you’re checking on them daily, giving them food and water, and keeping the coop dry—you’re doing great.
They may slow down on eggs. They might refuse to touch the snow. That’s okay. Winter chickens are all about survival, vibes, and extra snacks.
Final Cluck:
Winter chicken care isn’t that deep. Give them some shelter, love, and the occasional hot gossip session in the coop, and they’ll strut through January like it’s no big deal.
You’ve got this. Your chickens are literally wearing parkas. Now go make yourself a cup of something warm and try not to slip on the way to the coop.
