Winter Care for Your Poultry: Keep Your Flock Happy, Healthy and Productive 

As winter sets in, poultry owners face unique challenges in keeping their flocks healthy and productive. Cold, wet weather can affect everything from egg production to overall health. However, with the right strategies and supplies, you can ensure your chickens remain happy and thriving throughout the season. Here are essential tips for winter care to keep your chickens happy, healthy, and productive. Plus, we’ll spotlight some key products from Gladwell’s to help you get started. 

The Challenges of Winter for Poultry 

Winter brings a host of challenges for poultry keepers. The cold can lead to decreased egg production, frostbite, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Additionally, maintaining proper nutrition and hydration becomes crucial as chickens expend more energy to stay warm. Understanding these challenges is the first step in preparing your flock for the winter months. 

Warmth & Shelter 

Keeping your chickens warm is essential to their health and productivity during winter. Here are some ways to ensure they stay cosy: 

• Insulation: Proper coop insulation is crucial to retain heat and keep draughts at bay. Use materials like straw or hemp bedding for added warmth. 

• Draught Protection: Seal any gaps in the coop to prevent cold air from entering. Ensure that ventilation is adequate but not too breezy. 

• Bedding Options: Gladwells offers a range of bedding solutions, such as the Dengie Fresh Bed for Chickens and AubiChick Supreme Hemp Bedding, both of which provide warmth and comfort.  

Nutrition & Hydration 

Proper nutrition is vital during winter as chickens need more energy to maintain their body temperature: 

• High-Energy Feeds: Choose feeds rich in energy. Products like Copdock Mill Range Layer Pellets are great for chickens and all types of poultry. For an extra bit of energy, add Copdock Mill Henergy Poultry Feed. 

• Supplements: Consider adding supplements like Battles Poultry Drink to their diet to support overall health. 

• Hydration: Ensure water sources don’t freeze by checking and refilling them regularly or using heated waterers. 

For a range of nutrition and health products, check out what we have to offer. 

Egg Production Tips 

Maintaining egg production in winter can be challenging, but not impossible: 

• Light Management: Chickens need around 14 – 16 hours of light per day to maintain regular egg production. Artificial lighting can help extend daylight hours. 

• Diet Management: Ensure their diet is balanced and rich in calcium and proteins to support egg production. 

Common Winter Problems 

Winter can bring specific issues that need addressing: 

• Frostbite: Protect combs and wattles by applying petroleum jelly and keeping the coop dry and draught-free. 

• Frozen Water: Regularly check water supplies to ensure they are not frozen. 

• Red Mite Control: Use products like Battles Poultry Red Mite Powder to keep mites at bay, as infestations can worsen in colder months. 

Product Spotlight 

Gladwells offers a comprehensive range of products to support your poultry’s winter needs: 

• Bedding: We have many bedding options to help keep your chickens warm and comfortable during the winter season 

• Feed: High-energy feeds are extremely important during this time of the year as it ensures that your chickens can get the nutrients that they need. 

• Grit & Supplements: Essential for digestion and overall health.