1) Keep the Coop Dry, Draft-Free & Well-Ventilated

Cold doesn’t hurt chickens nearly as much as moisture + wind. Aim for a coop that’s dry and still at roost level, with fresh air moving out of the top. That prevents frostbite and keeps respiratory health on track.

How to strike the right balance

• Vent high, block low: Add vents near the roof to let humid air escape; seal gaps at hen height to stop cold drafts.
• Manage moisture: Scoop out wet spots daily; keep the area under waterers bone dry.
• Deep litter (optional): A 4–6” base of shavings topped up weekly adds insulation and ties up moisture.
• Nesting freshness: Refresh bedding weekly; a pinch of Nesting Box Herbs keeps boxes inviting in dreary weather.

2) Feed for Warmth, Strength & Steady Laying

Hens burn more calories to stay warm. Keep the base diet steady, then layer in strategic boosters to support feathers, immune health, and winter energy.

Winter feeding rhythm

• Base feed first: 16–18% protein layer feed, measured, morning and late afternoon.
• Protein bump: Offer a modest boost 3–4×/week—mealworms/BSF larvae, scrambled egg, or black oil sunflower seeds.
• Evening “furnace” snack: A little cracked corn or scratch before roosting fuels gentle overnight warmth.
• Herbal support: Warming, immune-friendly herbs (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary) for digestion, circulation, and steady appetite.

3) Protect Combs, Feet & Feathers

• Comb care: In sub-freezing snaps, a light coat of balm or coconut oil on large combs/wattles helps fend off frostbite.
• Roost width: Use a 2×4 laid flat or wide perch so hens can cover toes with belly feathers.
• Dry feathers = insulation: Replace wet bedding fast; keep waterers away from traffic lanes.
• Molting overlap: Late molters need protein first; keep herb pinches small but consistent.

4) Keep Water from Freezing (and Hydration Up)

Frozen water bowls kill appetite and egg production. Hydration is non-negotiable.

• Heated base or frequent checks: Keep one station outside the sleeping area to reduce humidity.
• Metal-free ACV: A splash in plastic waterers for palatability (not in metal).
• Herbal tea days: A mild chamomile/peppermint infusion encourages sipping and soothes winter stress.

5) Light, Rest & Realistic Laying Expectations

Short days naturally slow eggs. You can encourage laying with a gentle dawn-mimicking light, but rest is healthy too.

• Optional morning light: A low-watt bulb on a timer for a slow “sunrise” (avoid abrupt on/off at night).
• Consistency: Keep feed, light, and lock-up schedules predictable to reduce stress.
• Cozy nests: Fresh bedding + Nesting Box Herbs keep boxes appealing in gloomy weather.

6) Bust Boredom & Winter Stress

Cabin fever leads to pecking, bullying, and frayed feathers. Enrichment keeps peace.

• Foraging trays: Layer straw with a sprinkle of herbs and scratch for “treasure hunts.”
• Hanging greens: Kale heads, cabbage, or herb bundles on a string keep beaks busy.
• Perch variety: Add a low, stable perch for lower-rank hens to escape pressure.
• Limit handling in molt: Give pin feathers space and reduce stress contact.

7) Weekly Winter Health Check

• Body weight: Feel keel bones; adjust feed if anyone’s slimming down.
• Comb & toes: Watch for pale tips or blackened spots (frostbite).
• Vent & feathers: Keep clean; check for mites/lice even in cold months.
• Grit & oyster shell: Offer separately so hens can self-regulate.
• Equipment: Rinse feeders weekly; check dates on feed and store dry.

8) My Simple Winter Routine (From the Coop)

• 🧹 Weekly: Top up dry bedding; spot-clean wet areas immediately.
• 🌿 2×/week: Pinch of Warming Herbs in the evening, tiny herb mash on rough mornings.
• 🥚 Daily: Collect eggs early to prevent freezing and cracking.
• 💧 Twice daily: Check water; keep spill zones dry.
• 🍽️ Evening: Small scratch “furnace” snack before roosting on the coldest nights.

Personal note: On our coldest January mornings, a warm mash and freshened nests kept my girls lively—and we still gathered gorgeous, golden yolks for breakfast.

Winter Chicken Care FAQs

Do chickens need heat in winter?

Usually no. Healthy, acclimated hens with a dry, draft-free coop and wide roosts handle cold well. Add safe, secured radiant heat only in truly extreme conditions.

What about light to keep eggs coming?

Optional. If you add light, mimic sunrise with a timer in the early morning. Consistency matters more than intensity.

Can herbs really help in winter?

They’re not magic, but they support digestion, calm, and steady intake—exactly what winter birds need. That’s why I lean on Warming Herbs and Nesting Box Herbs when the weather turns.

Cozy Coops, Happy Hens—All Winter Long

A few small tweaks make winter simpler: dry air, steady nutrition, calm hens, and a sprinkle of herbal support. Your flock (and your breakfast!) will thank you.

🛒 Shop Winter Wellness Blends