Chickens are becoming increasingly popular in Australian backyards and they can be a wonderful way to live more sustainably. Many parts of Australia can get quite cold, wet and windy over the winter season. So how do you care for your chickens during these winter months to ensure they stay comfortable, healthy and productive? We have some tips.

Can my chickens care for themselves in winter?

Chickens are well adapted to survive the many seasons, including winter. Their feathers provide important insulation and they can fluff their feathers up to trap in the air and create an even warmer coat. They can also tuck their feet and bills into their feathers to keep these parts of their body warm. They will seek sunny positions during the day for extra warmth and huddle together at night to share comforting body heat.

Some chicken breeds are able to withstand colder temperatures, due to thicker feathering, smaller combs and less bare skin. Whilst chickens have their own clever ways to beat the winter chills, they will still need a little help from us.

1. Offer appropriate shelter

Australian weather can be difficult to predict at times. It’s important to provide appropriate shelter that protects your chickens from harsh weather and predators, whilst also ensuring they have a secure, dry place to roost and nest.

Before winter arrives, repair your chicken coop. Fix any leaks in the roof. Block holes that are causing drafts or opportunities for predators. Also repair any sharp edges that could cause injury. Fix any damaged perches. Check and repair fencing around the run.

2. Make sure chickens can roost

Roosts are elevated bars, branches or narrow planks which chickens perch on to sleep or avoid predators. During winter, roosts provide an elevated space for chickens to rest overnight and keep them up off the cold floor. Roosts should provide enough room to allow chickens to fluff their feathers and also snuggle together for warmth without overcrowding.

Wooden roosts are best. Avoid using metal or plastic roosts as they retain the cold and can cause frostbite.

Roosts should be available both under shelter and outdoors in their run. Some great ideas for outdoor perches include thick branches, hay bales, logs, low benches or stumps.

3. Keep coops ventilated

Coop ventilation is important year-round. When chickens breathe and produce waste, water is released into the air which causes humidity. Without proper ventilation this can lead to ammonia build-up and in winter, combined with cold temperatures can also lead to frostbite due to condensation.

Ensure that your coop is well ventilated, with cross coop airflow that will help clean out the air. Vents should be placed towards the roof of the coop where cold air isn’t able to directly flow onto your chickens. Ideally vents will have a hatch allowing them to be opened during the day and closed up at night when its colder or during heavy rain periods.

4. Minimise drafts

Wind and cool air can increase heat loss from your chicken coop. Before winter, inspect your coop for air holes or cracks and seal these spots to prevent cold drafts or predators from entering your coop over winter. At the same time ensure you have an adequate ventilation system in place (see above).

5. Warm bedding & manure management

A thicker layer of bedding will help insulate the coop, keep your chicken’s feet dry and be easier to clean. As the top layer becomes soiled, stir the bedding with a rake to allow the manure to move to the bottom. Then add a fresh layer on top. This will provide some natural heat as the manure decomposes.

Bedding will need to be cleaned out once a week to once a month, depending on how thick your bedding is, the coop size, layout and how many chickens you have. Keeping the coop clean and dry will prevent bacteria, fungus and parasites from thriving.

6. Complete & balanced diet

Continue to offer your chickens a complete and balanced diet. Keep in mind your flocks feed intake may increase by up to 25% during cold weather. Always store their food in moisture proof containers to prevent contamination or spoilage.

Chickens should always have access to fresh, clean water. Routinely check and refresh your chickens water.

7. Prevent winter boredom

Bored chickens can become aggressive and listless. To prevent winter boredom ensure there are plenty of outside roosts, ladders and perches. This will encourage them outdoors to exercise, offer them a birds eye view and give them an opportunity to get off the muddy ground.

Clean an area for the chickens to simply peck and scratch at the ground. Offer them hanging treats such as cabbage or lettuce heads to play with and peck at. You can also add a pile of dried leaves or dirt into their run and see how long it takes them to stomp around and flatten it. Simply adding something new to their run such as a hay bale or new log will stimulate interest and entertainment.

Spend time with them. The fresh air and company benefits everyone. It’s an opportunity to bond with your chickens, check for any health issues and get your chickens used to being handled. You can also check how the flock are interacting and identify any bullies.

Whilst backyard chickens naturally adapt to gradual changes in the weather, there are many ways we can help them stay healthy, comfortable and productive over the cold winter months. If you have any concerns about your pet chickens, please call us on 03 8784 4444.

7 Tips to Care for Chickens in Winter