Owning and raising chickens is a rewarding experience that provides fresh eggs each day. While these birds are hardy, if you are new to caring for them, the winter can be a particularly difficult season. From investing in some specialized livestock supplies to watching over them more carefully, you must take precautions to ensure the chickens are safe and healthy. Below are several strategies to help.

How Can You Protect Chickens During the Winter?

1. Provide a Roost

Throughout the year, chickens like to roost off the ground. This is especially important during the winter, as the ground is much colder. To keep them warm, provide a safe, enclosed area for them to snuggle together where they can fluff their feathers and share body heat with each other. One way to do this is by mounting a horizontal pole in the coop that has a platform about 2 feet off the ground. This gives them an easy access point to rest.

2. Apply Deep Litter

Some of the most important livestock supplies you need during the winter are pine shavings and straw. Spread these materials on the floor of the coop. As the chickens' waste accumulates, don't remove it. Instead, stir the debris together and apply another layer of dry nesting materials on top. As bacteria decompose the organic matter, the resulting compost gives off heat. This insulates the interior of the coop and keeps the chickens warm. While you should eliminate drafts, the coop needs some ventilation at the top so that moisture and ammonia can escape.

3. Feed Them at Night

Even if you usually feed your chickens early in the morning, they may need extra nutrition at night to stay warm. Giving them some cracked corn allows them to start digesting the food before sleeping, producing heat. Also, hang a head of cabbage on a string. Your hens will peck at it occasionally, keeping them active and engaged. The combination of food and activity will raise their body temperature.

4. Use Petroleum Jelly

On the most frigid days, chickens can experience frostbite on their wattles and combs. One way to protect these sensitive areas is by coating them in petroleum jelly. This substance creates a barrier against the cold and prevents moisture from evaporating from the tissues.

If you need livestock supplies to keep your chickens happy and healthy, contact Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center. They have been serving residents throughout Clermont and Brown counties, OH, since 1984. They carry a variety of farm and garden supplies, pet accessories, wild bird feed, and wood pellets. Visit the website for more information about their services, and call (513) 734-2246 to ask about the availability and pricing of their livestock supplies.