Our family has been busy getting ready for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, but today's frigid winter weather brought me the added task of finishing up the seasonal reinforcements of our poultry enclosures.
Search online how to best care for birds in the winter and you'll likely get dozens of different opinions on what to do. Personally, I have found a few methods that work best for our family to ensure our birds stay safe and comfortable through the winters, and would like to share them with those who may be seeking guidance.
Avoid using artificial heat sources and NEVER use heat lamps. Heat lamps in coops are a recipe for disaster, since dust and other debris in the coop can easily catch fire. In most cases these are also completely unnecessary since poultry are already equipped with thick downy plumage to protect them from the cold. If you MUST use heat for sensitive breeds or sick birds, brooder plates or wall-mounted heat panels are a much safer choice and typically more energy-efficient.
Remove water from the coop. While you can get away without a heat source for your birds, many people choose to use a heater for water sources. Unfortunately water in the coop can cause serious problems and increase the risk of frost bite. Vaporized moisture in the air collects on the combs and wattles of the birds and can even dampen feathers, reducing their insulating ability. Keep water sources outside in the run, or remove from the coop at night before the birds roost.
Add LOTS of bedding with extra straw to keep it loose. A deep fluffy layer of bedding will add extra insulation to your coop and reduce cold drafts at floor level. For ground-dwelling birds such as quail or ducks, this extra layer will also act almost like a blanket for them to burrow and nest in for warmth. Churn and replenish bedding regularly to keep it from becoming compacted or frozen.
Block off major drafts. Wrapping open areas of the coop and run with tarps or plastic can help cut down on wind and reduce cold drafts. Use caution however to ensure that there is also adequate ventilation - a coop that is too air-tight can trap extra moisture or ammonia which is can be dangerous for your bird's health.
In addition to the above precautions, I also like to extend the seasonal generosity by giving my birds extra treats and table scraps. Adding more protein and calorie-dense foods to your poultry's diet can help replenish energy that may be lost during the production of body heat. It is important to research what foods are safe for your pets, and check the label of manufactured feeds for the nutrition content. Keep in mind that many birds will also stop laying in the cold dark winter months while their bodies are focused on staying warm. This is natural, and allowing them to take this much-needed break from egg production can be a great way to help reduce their stress.
Regardless what methods you choose to use to keep your birds comfortable in the winter, it's important to check on things regularly. Always be vigilant, and be prepared to take action in the event that something goes wrong. Taking a few precautions and preparing your coops against the cold early on can go a long way to avoiding disasters.
From our coop to yours, we'd like to wish you Happy Holidays, and warm wishes for a fantastic New Year!
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