The weather is beginning to cool off and its time to get your hens ready for cooler temperatures. Below, are tips for raising hens in the winter.
I’m sure you know that once the weather gets cold and blustery, the hens do not lay like they do in warmer temperatures. There are many ways of getting your hens to lay consistently in the cool temps just by keeping them warm. It’s not hard to get your hens ready for winter by just by following a few tips.
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Cool Weather Hens
I strongly suggest if you live in a cold-weather climate to get hens that are cold-weather tolerant. I personally like the Barred Rock hen. They are also called Plymouth Rocks. These hens are cold hardy and easier to maintain during winter. They are also quite social and normally are not broody.
Hens that are cold hardy are:
Barred Rock
Ameraucana
Australorp
Brahma
New Hampshire Reds
Cochin
These are a few of the cold-hardy hens, although not all-inclusive it gives you ideas when choosing your flock.
Light
You can keep their coop warm, by adding light. Select one that will keep the temperatures warmer in the coop. Make sure to install the light high near the ceiling, and keep all electrical cords away from the hens, so they won’t peck at it.
In addition, you can add insulation to the coop. If you do this, make sure the insulation is well covered with plywood. Also, inspect your coop for any cracks where air can leak in.
Deep Litter Method
This is my favorite method of keeping my hens warm. Add lots of straw in the coop and pine shavings outside of the coop. Straw when wet will hold moisture and can cause fungal diseases in the hens, so I suggest only using it in the coop. The premise of this deep litter method is to stir up the bedding on the floor of the coop every week and add fresh bedding on top. The deep layer of bedding helps to insulate the floor of the coop and as the litter composts over time it releases heat into the chicken coop.
Foods that will maintain heat
Did you know another way of getting your hens ready for the cooler weather is by feeding them specific foods that will maintain heat? Below are a few suggestions.
Oatmeal
I loved fixing my hens oatmeal and usually, feed this at least once to three times a week. Be sure to cook your oatmeal and do not add any sugar. Sugar is not good for hens. You can cook some sweet potatoes or add fruit to the oatmeal.
Soup
Soup is another great option for your hens. Fix up a batch of soup with whatever veggies you have leftover in the kitchen. Make a large batch and freeze in portion sizes. Then unthaw when you’re ready to give them a batch of soup.
Cracked Corn
Another is cracked corn, please feed this sparely, as this corn can cause hens to gain weight. No one wants overweight hens, and it is not healthy for them.
Chicken Scratch
Chicken scratch is a food supplement you can feed your hens. This is a supplement and not to be considered a main source of nutrition. I normally throw the chicken scratch on the ground and the chickens spend hours digging around to find it. It’s a great way to occupy their time when they’d otherwise be bored and picking on each other. This particular chicken scratch is non-GMO and provides a healthy source of grains.
Flock Block
Flock Block is another a favorite treat for my hens. The flock block is full of seeds, grains, and fat, and the hen’s peck at it daily until every bit is gone. One flock block tends to last my hens 1-2 months, depending on how many other treats they’re getting at the time. The flock block is a great way to keep the hens occupied all day long when they’re stuck in the coop during inclement weather. I’m always finding ways to keep my hens occupied because they do not get to free-range a lot. I place the Flock Block in a rubber feed bowl, off the ground, this keeps it away from moisture. I like using Flock Block because along with many other nutrients, it has oyster shells and it keeps them busy and away from one another.
It is certainly a challenge to keep your hens warm during the winter. Following the above tips can be very helpful and can make it easier to keep the hens warmer. When hens are warm in the winter they have a tendency to continue to lay eggs. They may not lay as abundantly as in the Summer, but they will continue to lay. I find that the warmer my hens are, the more eggs I get.
I hope these tips are helpful. You can try them all or just a few. You will find all of these are very successful tips. Good Luck and do not hesitate to ask questions!
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XOXO
Connie
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