Preparing for Cold Weather with Poultry

We saw a sharp drop in temps this week here in Ohio, where we are based. It’s a quick reminder that cold temperatures are just around the corner!

As temperatures drop, your poultry flock faces new challenges: cold stress, ice, drafts, pests seeking shelter, diminished daylength, moisture, and respiratory risks. A little proactive planning can make all the difference in keeping your birds healthy, comfortable, and productive through the season. Below are 7 practical, low-tech strategies that align with natural and resilient husbandry.

  Avoid Supplemental Heat Shock

One common mistake is installing heat lamps or other supplemental heating. While tempting, it’s really not necessary, even in the coldest of climates. Chickens have an average body temperature of 105-109 degrees, and their feathers provide the ultimate cold weather protection. Using supplemental heat sources can create dangerous temperature shock that causes stress and chilling, not to mention the fire risk. Instead:

• Rely on passive insulation (bedding, draft control)
• Maintain ventilation and fresh air (priority #1!)
• Protect from wind, drafts, and snow intrusion

 Don’t Overthink the Feed

Don’t overcomplicate “winter rations”: Birds are resilient. Rather than shifting feeds, focus on keeping it dry. As long as you are feeding a quality, balanced feed your birds will not need anything extra for the winter months.

Feeding fats: In extreme weather, providing a little extra energy can help birds maintain body heat. A modest amount of animal fat (lard, tallow) or high-quality vegetable fats can help them thermoregulate without forcing them to overeat bulk feed. But don’t overdo it! A fat chicken is susceptible to death and disease.

  Insulation & Bedding

Extra bedding = extra insulation. Provide ample dry material (pine shavings, straw, chopped leaves) to insulate floors, nest boxes, and walls.

Raise roosts off the ground so chilled ground air doesn’t sap body heat.

Wind breaks (solid walls, barnboard, tarps) help block cold drafts or snow intrusion at coop openings.

  Ventilation

You need a balance: fresh air without drafts. Ventilation prevents ammonia and moisture buildup and respiratory issues without chilling the birds. Avoid sealing the coop too tightly; stale air is worse than cold air.

  Water — Critical!

Keep water fresh, clean, and ice-free. Use heated buckets or trough heaters where safe, or check and break ice multiple times daily. Livestock drink considerably more water in winter when that water is warm than when it is near-freezing temperatures. Water in cold weather must stay available—thirst is a serious stressor.

  Comb & Skin Protection

Use petroleum jelly (Vaseline or equivalent) on combs, wattles, and exposed areas to reduce frostbite risk. A thin coating helps protect against freezing winds. Keep your bird’s feet dry (wet bedding or floor surfaces increase risk of frostbite and foot issues).

  Coop Sanitation & Pest Prevention

Clean up before pests move in. As weather cools, rodents, insects, and other pests seek shelter and food. Do a full coop cleanout: remove all bedding, droppings, old feed, nest materials.

Apply agricultural lime under bedding floor (on the bare coop floor) to help control odors, pathogens, and insect larvae.

Sulfur & garlic in feed to deter mites. Mix 2 tablespoons powdered sulfur + 2 Tbsp. garlic powder per 25 lb feed to help discourage mites and external parasites. Maintain the supplement for at least 30 days to allow the ingredients to build up in the bird’s blood supply and make them less appetizing to these pests.

Control mice & rats wisely. One trick from Fertrell’s Jeff Mattocks: using naturally sweetened bubble gum (e.g. Bubble Yum, Chiclets) placed where only rodents can access. Avoid artificial sweeteners (they won’t eat it). This is a low-toxicity method of poisoning rodents that doesn’t endanger other animals who may eat them.

Don’t overload yourself this season – we all have enough to keep with as it is, right? Prioritize what matters most, and your birds will fare well until spring.