Keep the Coop Dry, Draft-Free, and Fresh
It might sound tricky to balance warmth and airflow, but both are essential in winter.
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Block drafts at roost level to protect your birds from cold winds.
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Keep ventilation high — near the roof — so moisture can escape.
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Add extra bedding like straw or pine shavings to help insulate the floor and nesting boxes.
And don’t forget — air quality matters too. Ammonia buildup from droppings can irritate your flock’s lungs and eyes, especially when the coop is closed up tight.
Coop Care’s Chick Fresh helps keep your coop air clean and smelling great by neutralizing ammonia odors and absorbing moisture — making it easier for your hens to breathe and stay healthy all winter long.
Remember: damp, stuffy air causes frostbite faster than cold air does. A dry, fresh coop is a warm coop!
Let Them Fluff Up Naturally
Chickens come with their own built-in winter coats! Their feathers trap body heat, especially when they puff up.
Avoid using heat lamps (they can be a fire risk) — instead, trust your hens’ natural ability to stay warm as long as the coop is well-prepped.
If it gets really cold, you can use a safe radiant panel heater or provide wind blocks, but most flocks do just fine without added heat.
Boost Nutrition for Energy and Warmth
Winter is the perfect time to offer high-energy treats and a little extra protein.
Try these flock favorites:
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Cracked corn or scratch grains before bedtime (it helps them generate warmth overnight)
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Black oil sunflower seeds for healthy fats
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Warm oatmeal or scrambled eggs as a cozy morning snack
For an easy way to give your flock a nutrient boost, add Coop Care’s Organic Chicken Scratch to their diet. It’s packed with premium organic grains and natural energy sources to help your hens stay strong, healthy, and resilient all season long.
And always make sure fresh water is available — use a heated water base or bucket to keep it from freezing.
Keep Eggs from Freezing
Nothing’s worse than collecting cracked, frozen eggs!
Gather them at least two to three times a day, and insulate nest boxes with thick straw or wood shavings. Nest box curtains or old towels can also help block out drafts.
Want more tips? Check out our full guide: “How to Keep Eggs from Freezing in Winter.”
Encourage Natural Light and Activity
Winter days are shorter, which can slow down egg production and make hens a little lazier.
Keep things bright by:
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Opening coop windows or doors during daylight hours
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Adding a low-wattage light on a timer in the early morning
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Offering enrichment — like hanging cabbage, leaf piles, or perches in the run
A little light and movement go a long way toward keeping your flock cheerful (and laying).
A Cozy Flock Is a Happy Flock
Chickens are tougher than they look, but they depend on us for the right environment. Keep their coop clean, dry, and draft-free, offer nourishing food and unfrozen water, and your hens will handle winter like champs.
