Are you wondering how to go about Keeping Chickens Cozy in Cold Weather? Even in Texas, chickens appreciate extra comfort during winter. A dry, draft-free coop is more important than heat lamps, which can be risky if not used carefully. Add a thick layer of clean bedding like pine shavings for insulation.

Hens burn more energy in cold weather-offer cracked corn or scratch grains before dusk to help them generate warmth overnight. If egg production slows, add a low-wattage bulb on a timer for a few extra hours of light.

Chickens need about 16 hours of light per day to produce eggs, with the exception of some over-eager first-year hens who may lay throughout winter. But with the shortened daylight hours, and the cold weather requiring more of their energy resources to be directed to keeping their body temperatures where they need to be, egg production will go down.

Keep waterers from freezing by using heated bases or swapping water several times a day. Check combs for frostbite, especially on roosters, and apply petroleum jelly for protection.

Don’t forget to provide grit throughout the winter as well, as they may not be able to find it on their own due to snow and mud.

Healthy, happy hens lay better eggs all winter long. Come see us at Arcola Feed for feed, heat-safe waterers, and bedding to keep your flock thriving when temperatures dip. We can help you with  Keeping Chickens Cozy in Cold Weather!