As winter approaches, keeping your chickens healthy and warm requires a few key adjustments to their diet. Chickens use more energy to stay warm in colder temperatures, and by making small changes to their feeding routine, you can help them maintain their health and productivity. This guide will walk you through some practical ways to support your flock, including the benefits of high-energy treats and warm, comforting foods.
Understanding Your Chickens’ Winter Needs
In cold weather, chickens naturally need more calories. While chickens have built-in insulation with their feathers, they still burn extra energy to maintain their body temperature. Providing the right kind of nutrition can make a significant difference in keeping them comfortable and reducing the risk of issues like frostbite and illness.
Additionally, winter often means less daylight, which can lead to a natural drop in egg production. Although diet adjustments may not completely prevent this slowdown, they can support your flock’s overall well-being, which, in turn, helps maintain egg production as much as possible.
1. Increase Caloric Intake with High-Energy Foods
One of the best ways to help your chickens through the colder months is by boosting their energy intake. Chickens need more calories in winter, and adding calorie-dense treats can give them the extra energy they need. Scratch grains and corn are popular options, as they are both high-energy foods that chickens metabolize well.
- Scratch Grains: Scratch grains are a mix of grains like corn, oats, and wheat that provide a quick energy source. Offering scratch grains in the late afternoon is particularly beneficial because chickens will metabolize the calories through the night, which helps them stay warm.
- Corn: Corn is also calorie-rich and can be used as part of a balanced diet in winter. However, avoid relying solely on corn, as it lacks the balanced nutrients that chickens need. Think of it as a supplement rather than a main course.
Remember, treats like scratch grains and corn should be offered in moderation—about 10% of their total diet. Balancing these high-energy foods with their regular feed ensures they still get essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
2. Serve Warm Treats Like Oatmeal
On particularly cold days, a warm treat can make a world of difference to your chickens. Warm oatmeal, in particular, is a favorite among many chicken keepers. It’s not only comforting but also provides good nutritional value. Here’s why warm oatmeal works well as a winter treat:
- High Fiber and Energy: Oatmeal is a source of energy that helps chickens generate heat while digesting. Its fiber content also promotes digestive health, which is essential for nutrient absorption, especially during colder months.
- Easy to Customize: You can mix in other ingredients like seeds, mealworms, or chopped veggies to add nutrients. Mealworms, in particular, add protein, which can be helpful for hens that continue laying through winter.
- Feeding Tips: Give oatmeal sparingly. It’s best served as an occasional treat rather than a daily meal to avoid unbalancing their diet. Just a small bowl for a flock goes a long way.
Offering oatmeal on cold mornings can also help get your chickens moving, which stimulates circulation and keeps them active despite the chilly weather.
3. Boost Protein Intake
During winter, some chickens might molt, which is when they shed old feathers and grow new ones. This process requires extra protein, as feathers are protein-based. You might notice hens reducing their egg production or stopping altogether while they molt, as their bodies focus on feather growth.
- Mealworms and Black Soldier Fly Larvae: High-protein snacks like dried mealworms or black soldier fly larvae are excellent choices. These can be sprinkled in with their feed or offered as treats to help with feather regrowth.
- Higher Protein Feed: Some chicken keepers switch to a higher protein layer feed in winter. Regular layer feed typically has around 16% protein, but during molting or in colder months, a 20% protein feed can give them the extra boost they need. Just be cautious not to overdo it—too much protein over time can lead to health issues.
Providing a bit of extra protein will help your chickens regrow feathers more quickly and maintain their overall health.
4. Keep Fresh Water Available
Hydration is essential year-round, but it can be more challenging in winter when water can freeze. Dehydration can weaken chickens, making them more vulnerable to cold stress and illness.
- Heated Waterer: A heated waterer can prevent water from freezing, saving you from having to constantly refill water bowls. These waterers are designed to keep water at a safe temperature and prevent freezing, making them a worthwhile investment for winter care.
- Add Electrolytes: Occasionally, you can add electrolytes to their water to ensure they’re staying hydrated, especially on very cold days when they may drink less. However, this should be done sparingly, as regular access to fresh water is generally enough.
Regularly check water sources throughout the day to ensure they stay clean and unfrozen. Proper hydration supports digestion and circulation, both of which help your chickens stay warm.
5. Supplement with Leafy Greens and Veggies
Winter can limit access to natural forage, so supplementing with fresh greens can provide essential vitamins and minerals. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and cabbage are good options, as are leftover vegetables.
- Fiber and Vitamins: Fresh greens add fiber to your chickens’ diet, promoting digestive health, and provide vitamins that may be missing in their regular feed.
- DIY Fodder: You can even grow a small indoor fodder system to produce fresh greens like wheatgrass for your chickens. Sprouting grains in trays is easy to do at home and provides a fresh food source during winter.
Feeding greens can also provide enrichment, as it encourages chickens to peck and scratch, which keeps them active and engaged.
6. Limit Treats to Maintain a Balanced Diet
While it’s tempting to load your chickens up with all sorts of treats in winter, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet. Too many treats can lead to nutrient imbalances, which can affect their health and egg production.
As a rule of thumb, treats should make up no more than 10% of their total diet, with the rest being high-quality layer feed. A quality feed provides all the essential nutrients chickens need, so while treats can be helpful, they shouldn’t replace their main feed.
7. Use Supplements to Support Health
In winter, chickens may benefit from a few dietary supplements to keep their immune systems strong.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to their water once a week can support digestion and immune health.
- Garlic: Crushed garlic is another natural supplement believed to have immune-boosting properties. You can mix a small amount into their feed once a week.
- Grit and Oyster Shell: Keep a supply of grit and oyster shell available. Grit helps with digestion, and oyster shells provide calcium, which is essential for strong eggshells, especially if your hens are still laying.
These supplements are inexpensive and easy to add to their diet, offering added support during the winter months.
8. Provide Regular Feeding Times and Keep an Eye on Your Flock
Finally, maintaining a routine is crucial for chickens. Feeding them at consistent times helps regulate their energy levels and makes it easier for them to adjust to the colder weather. Additionally, observe your flock daily to check for signs of illness or cold stress. Chickens that appear puffed up, lethargic, or separated from the group may need extra warmth or care.
Keeping an eye on their behavior can alert you to any changes, allowing you to make adjustments as needed to keep them healthy and comfortable.
In Summary
Winter can be tough on chickens, but a few simple adjustments to their diet can make a big difference. By increasing caloric intake with high-energy treats, serving warm snacks like oatmeal, boosting protein, and ensuring access to fresh water, you’ll help your flock stay healthy through the cold months. Remember, while treats and supplements are beneficial, they should complement, not replace, a balanced diet based on high-quality feed.
Taking these steps will not only improve your chickens’ resilience but also keep them content and productive, making the winter season much easier for both you and your feathered friends.
