By the time February rolls around, most backyard chicken keepers are watching their flock a little closer — not just for eggs, but for signs that winter is finally on its way out. And the funny thing is… your chickens usually know before you do.
You’ll start to notice small shifts first.
They come barreling out of the coop in the mornings instead of cautiously stepping into the cold. There’s more scratching, more chatter, and way more curiosity. That sluggish winter energy starts fading as the days slowly get longer — and their bodies respond to that extra daylight.
One of the sweetest “almost spring” signs? Dust bathing makes a comeback.
After weeks of frozen ground, they’ll hunt down the first soft, dry patch they can find and go all in — flopping, wiggling, and tossing dirt over their backs like they’re at a spa day. Dust bathing isn’t just fun — it helps remove excess oils, supports feather health, and naturally discourages external pests.
If you want to give them an extra boost coming out of winter, adding something like Chicken’s Choice Dust Bath can really elevate their bath area. It’s an all-natural volcanic ash blend designed to help keep feathers clean and in tip-top condition while supporting overall skin and feather health.
Think of it as upgrading their spring spa experience — and they’ll absolutely use it.
You’ll likely notice physical changes too. Combs and wattles start turning brighter red again as circulation and hormones ramp back up. It’s one of the earliest visual signs that laying season is warming up right along with the weather.
And then… the eggs start coming back.
Maybe slowly at first — one here, two there — but it’s usually February when production begins picking up again thanks to increasing daylight. Suddenly the nesting boxes are busy, and that winter egg slump starts feeling like a distant memory.
You might even see more sunbathing, longer evenings outside, and yes… a little renewed pecking-order drama as energy levels rise.
It’s not quite spring yet — there will still be cold snaps — but the shift has started. Your flock is waking back up, dust bathing again, laying again, and getting ready for their most productive season.
And honestly? It’s the perfect time to freshen up their coop, refresh their dust bath areas, and make sure they’re going into spring feeling their best.
