Backyard flocks have become immensely popular over the past few years. There are many chicken owners in New England and many opposing opinions on how to keep chickens in the harsh winters we have.
To heat or not to heat? That is a common question among chicken owners. Chickens naturally have a higher body temperature, with the normal range being 105-107 degrees Fahrenheit. In groups, they can withstand below-freezing temperatures easily. While heat seems like the kinder thing to do, especially with these recent below-zero temperatures, heat within a coop can cause serious harm.
In January, 86,000 chickens perished in an industrial coop fire caused by a heating element. This has not been the only case of chicken coops burning down due to heaters put in coops. Many coops are not only made of wood, but the bedding is usually highly flammable material like pine shavings or straw. In a dry winter, coop heaters can easily cause a fire. Rather than providing heat, ensuring coops are draft free is a better and safer way to keep your chickens warm. Providing extra bedding can help keep the coop warm as well.
While it is extremely important to make a draft-free coop, we don’t want to forget about proper ventilation. Chickens are very stinky and produce a lot of waste. Improper ventilation in a coop can cause stress to their respiratory system and predispose them to infections. It can be difficult to maintain a clean coop in the winter so the “deep litter method” can help increase warmth and decrease odors from waste. Instead of removing soiled bedding, a thin layer is added when you can detect an odor. The bedding will compost itself, creating heat and a safe environment for chickens. You can also use poultry-safe lime to help control odors.
Frostbite is the most common issue we see among chickens this time of year. Moisture is an important component to frostbite. Having water outside of the coop this time of year will help keep their coop dry. Without moisture, you’re unlikely to have frostbite. If you do notice a chicken has dark spots on their combs, wattles or feet, do not apply any balms or Vaseline to the area. This can trap moisture onto their skin which can make frostbite much worse. It is better to bring the chicken indoors and keep the frostbitten area clean. They may require antibiotics, pain medications or even surgical intervention depending on severity. If you think one of your chickens is experiencing severe cold stress, it is important to bring them inside immediately. Do not warm them too quickly. It is best to let them acclimate to room temperature rather than putting them in warm water or even wrapping them in warm blankets. This can shift their body temperature too fast and make matters much worse.
When thinking about keeping chickens in the winter, I always recommend cold-hardy breeds like Plymouth Rocks, Orpingtons or Brahmas. Other breeds not known for being cold-hardy may require extra care.