Caring for Pullets in Winter
Our new pullets have been braving the cold weather and snowy days quite well. In taking care of our not-yet-laying hens, I’ve learned a few things about winter care for a small backyard poultry flock. These tips are for adult birds; any very young birds will likely need to be moved indoors to a heat-lamp-warmed cage in a barn stall or basement, during the coldest months.
Increased vigilance is important in the winter as natural predators are hungrier and severe weather can cost frostbite on chickens’ combs and wattles (the red flaps hanging down from their faces).
In fact, in harsh climates, the combs and wattles are removed when chickens are young specifically to avoid frostbite in winter.
When keeping chickens through the winter, don’t forget that:
- They need extra feed for increased energy needs. Also, there are few or no insects to supplement the grain.
- A good chicken coop is important — one with insulation, roosting bars and covered openings, such as fabric or plastic sheets over chicken entrances, is ideal. In northern climates, a source of heat is important during the coldest weeks.
- Make sure the birds have water … not ice. When it’s especially bitter out, I crack and remove the ice in their water tray and replace it with lukewarm water a couple times a day. A heated chicken waterer would be ideal, and I’m planning to invest in one for next winter.
Do you have a backyard chicken flock? How are you keeping them healthy and happy through the winter?
I am just starting my small backyard chicken flock and will be bringing them home in March. I have read all of your ideas and thoughts about the “How To’s” of raising a small flock. Very helpful and gave me the courage to try it! I live in low lands of Washington State and the winters are pretty mild here, but it does freeze. Question? How would I know if the chickens are having freezing problems with their feet? Do they start to limp, do they change colour? Thanks and please keep sending us updates! Kate
February 18th, 2009 at 8:18 pmKate, in mild climates your chickens will be fine. Even if the ground freezes, the chickens are generally still fine. It’s severe temps that are dangerous. Make sure they have access to the coop, out of the elements, at all times. Their roosting bars need to be wood — never metal. It is unusual for chickens to get frostbite on their feet, but more common on combs and waffles. For mild cases, rub with snow or cold water until thawed. Bad cases will necessitate removal. Best of luck with your new flock!
February 18th, 2009 at 10:57 pmHi,
March 1st, 2009 at 4:11 pmOur family really enjoys our chickens and now we even let one hen have several chicks. Our kids loved it. In the winter, (here in N. Florida it gets in the 20′s at night), we have a heat lamp (red bulb) with a timer to go on at dusk. This extends their day and they continue to lay just as many eggs as in the spring and summer. We belong to a group called Back Yard Chickens, which we love to get ideas from. We even built an incubator at home to hatch chicks.
Last year my husband made an excellent insulation for chickens so that the situation now is much better. Chickens are not cold and they always have water, not ice. Previously, our chickens died because they were cold.
September 8th, 2009 at 10:18 amPlease take a few minutes of your time and read my chicken blog. I have been raising 50 breeds of chickens for 40 years.
January 29th, 2010 at 2:56 pmHow warm does it need to stay at night to leave pullets (I think they’re about 4 weeks old, got them at a feed store for Easter) out without them getting to cold. They will be in a chicken coop with older hens, but in a smaller cage so they won’t have access to hens for warmth. We live in Georgia and its getting into the 50′s at night right now. Thanks so much for your help!
April 7th, 2010 at 8:50 amHow big does your garden have to be to keep chickens? I have a really small backyard and not sure if it would be suitable for raising even a small flock?
We don’t get a lot of snow in my neck of the woods but we’ve just had around 10 inches over a period of 3 days…
December 30th, 2010 at 5:50 pm