When the winds shift and cold Wisconsin weather sets in, so do extra challenges for raising backyard chickens. Wind, moisture, and freezing temperatures can make your flock sick if you’re not prepared. Division of Extension Poultry Specialist, Ron Kean, has advice on how to keep your birds safe, warm, and productive this winter.
1. Ventilation is key
It can be tempting to shut the coop up tight when cold temperatures set in, but in fact, the coop needs ventilation. Chickens need fresh air to prevent dampness and disease.
The goal is to get rid of stale air and excess moisture. If it gets damp, that can lead to unhealthy conditions for the chickens, so ventilation is important. It’s ok to close things up, but not completely airtight.
2. Keep the chicken coop comfortable
Warmth is another critical factor. When chickens are warm enough, they require less food to maintain optimal body condition. Techniques to keep chickens warm in winter include:
- Heated coops and waterers ensure the flock stays comfortable. A heated waterer ensures their water temperature stays above freezing. Chickens need about one cup of water daily and laying hens need twice as much.
- It’s recommended to use deep-litter bedding, which creates a compostable layered bed of material to keep the coop warm.
3. Supplement light
Chickens naturally lay fewer eggs in the winter because the daylight hours are shorter. Laying hens need about 14-16 hours of light a day to maintain egg production. You can encourage production by adding a supplemental lighting source to the chicken coop.
4. Practice biosecurity
Strong biosecurity is essential to keep your flock safe. Biosecurity prevents the introduction and spread of disease-causing organisms. It’s recommended to keep a separate set of clothes and shoes for “chicken chores” and prevent contact between your birds and wild animals. See the latest information on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wisconsin.
Stopping wildlife and rodent access to the coop is especially important because rodents carry salmonella.
5. Prevent salmonella
Salmonella, a common bacterial infection, can be passed from hens to eggs and to people. Handling chicks may be irresistible, but it’s advised against kissing or snuggling them and always wash your hands after handling them. The safest way to prevent salmonella poisoning is simple: cook your eggs!
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