Chickens in winter need warmth, and that starts with a weatherproof coop and run. Preparing the henhouse for winter and keeping it warm through the season may not be a chicken keeper’s favorite chore, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

Preparing the Coop for Chickens in Winter

Keeping chickens in northern climates is trickier than in the south. Yet whatever climate you call home, the first step is to weatherproof the coop.

Weatherproofing the chicken coop may seem overwhelming. So let’s start with an easy outdoor visual around the perimeter of the henhouse.

How to Keep Chickens Warm in Winter: Coop Exterior

When inspecting the outside of your coop, look for two things. Small cracks that allow snow, wind, and rain to enter the coop and larger holes for rodents or predators to enter through.

The number one rule of how to keep chickens in winter is to block drafts from entering the coop. Be sure to be thorough when checking the exterior for any gaps that will allow the elements to blow into your flock’s enclosure.

Check the Roof

Doing a visual on the henhouse roof is a good idea to ensure shingles are nice and tight to prevent moisture from seeping into your coop. Not only is this a good step in keeping your chickens warm in winter, but it will also help keep your henhouse dry and prevent respiratory diseases in the flock.

The Coop Door

Keeping chickens warm in winter is impossible if the coop door (pophole or human-sized door) does not fit snug, allowing plenty of space for snow and wind to blow in on your chickens.

The door can be challenging to weatherproof from the outside; however, the problem can be remedied by attaching wood to the inside door frame for an easy and effective way to stop drafts.

Weatherproofing the Outdoor Nesting Boxes

The outdoor nesting boxes are often overlooked when considering how to keep chickens warm in winter. Wind, rain, hail, and even sunshine can take a toll on the wood and other materials, causing them to wear down and need repairs.

Before winter kicks in, check that the lids on outdoor nesting boxes are tight-fitting and not warped from weather to prevent the elements from blowing in.

Choose the Right Bedding for Chickens in Winter

How to keep chickens warm in winter includes choosing the right chicken coop bedding. While many chicken owners prefer to use wood shavings during the warmer months, straw is the best option for winter bedding.

Straw is insulating and helps to keep chickens warmer. It is also relatively cheap to purchase, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the budget during the colder months when more bedding is needed.

The Deep Litter Method for Chickens in Winter

If you have ever researched how to keep chickens warm in winter, you have probably already heard of the deep litter method.

While the idea of not having to clean the coop out all winter long may sound appealing, this practice can cause respiratory conditions and other health problems, especially in older hens.

Insulating the Coop for Chickens in Winter

How to keep chickens warm in winter may seem impossible, but it isn’t with an insulated coop. If you’re redoing the siding on your chicken’s coop or building a brand new one, adding insulation will help temperatures stay more moderate inside the henhouse.

Winter Ventilation to Prevent Frostbite

While it’s important to prevent drafts in the coop, it is equally vital to have a good flow of ventilation to prevent respiratory problems from arising.

Opening a window in the coop and placing a steel adjustable window screen in the window frame during the winter months is a good way to add ventilation to the coop without needing to worry about snow or rain blowing in on your roosting hens.

Preparing the Run for Chickens in Winter

Keeping chickens in winter while still letting them outside in the run can prove challenging. The good news is that it is possible to give your flock the benefits of fresh air without them becoming too cold.

Attaching plastic to the north and west walls of the run can help to warm the area and block wind. If lining the run walls with plastic doesn’t work for your setup, build your own wind protection for your flock out of several straw bales.

Shoveled Paths for Easy Access

Keeping chickens warm in winter, even when there is snow on the ground, is not impossible. The key is not to let your flock out until all the snow has been cleared out of the run.

Chickens don’t care for snow, so removing snow and ice before allowing them access to the outdoors helps keep your flock happy and warm and also protects them from frostbite.

Caring for Less Cold-Hardy Chickens in Winter

How to keep chickens warm in winter is more challenging if you raise non-cold-hardy breeds or bantam chickens. While chickens do not usually need supplemental heat in the winter, these breeds may need additional care to survive.

For bantams and heat-hardy breeds, heating the coop and restricting their access to the outdoors except on mild winter days is the best way to help these delicate chickens survive winter.

Final Thoughts on Chickens in Winter

Keeping chickens warm in winter is possible with a weatherproof coop and choosing the right bedding. Winter can be hard on our feathered friends, but with proper care, chickens can survive the coldest months with ease.

This article about keeping a chicken coop warm in winter was written for Hobby Farms and Chickens magazines. Click here to subscribe.