8 Things You NEED To Know About Raising Chickens In A COLD Climate
With January upon us once again, and temperatures across the Canadian prairies in the low -30s, the question of how to properly care for our avian friends is once again top of mind. Unfortunately for the birds, there are a lot of myths about what is necessary, and what can actually be harmful to your precious flock. Here are 8 facts about raising poultry in a cold climate, that you can use to plan your coop accordingly:
1. Breed matters!
The single most important step to raising chickens, is
choosing the right breed for you. Not all birds are the same, and a chicken
that thrives in one climate zone, may not be quite as hardy on the other side of the spectrum. Brahmas for example, have substantial feathering covering their body as well as their feet. This helps them stay warm when the mercury dips, while their tiny combs make for reduced chance of frost bite becoming an issue.
2. DON'T ADD HEAT!
We all want our animals to be comfortable. Raising your own livestock is a great way to ensure your food lived a good life! So it's perfectly reasonable to assume "if your cold, their cold", but it's important not to be tempted to add heat to your coop. Chickens adapt to the falling temperatures, but they do not do well with extreme drops after being climatized to the warm coop. If your electricity goes out during a winter storm, the sudden loss of heat to the coop may result in big losses in the flock.
3. Ventilation is critical!
Believe it or not, chickens produce a LOT of moisture, as well as ammonia. It's very important to have adequate ventilation in your coop, so the moisture and stale air can circulate and fresh air can take its place. In cold conditions, humidity can be very hard on a bird, and lead to respiratory problems and even death. Ensuring proper airflow will prevent this issue and help prevent disease.
4. Fresh Water
Your flock needs access to fresh water around the clock. Water is essential to a birds ability to regulate its body temperature, have healthy digestion, as well as proper egg production. Be sure to either opt for a heated waterer, or visit your coop several times daily in cold weather to remove the ice buildup, and replenish their supply of fresh water.
5. A well ventilated coop, does not mean a drafty coop!
Your birds may peck at each other and maybe even act like jerks to each other during the day, but when it's cold in there at night, they roost close to each other in groups, as a way of keeping warm. If the wind is blowing directly onto your roosting birds, that precious heat with quickly be blown away. Position your vents away from the spot your birds roost at night.
6. Winter Production Drop
Egg production normally decreases in the winter months as a result of the shorter days. Supplemental light in the morning and evening to extend their day will keep hens laying throughout the year
7. Chickens with large waddles are more susceptible to frost bite.
To prevent it, as well as treat it if already occurring, rub a small amount of petroleum jelly over the area. This will help it from getting any worse.
8. Get out there and get those eggs!
It doesn't take long for an egg to freeze and crack. The more times you can get out and collect them during the day, the less you have to throw away. But not to worry, the dogs still love them!
