As cold weather sets in, it's essential for backyard chicken keepers to prepare their coops for the winter months ahead. Proper winter coop supplies are crucial to keep your feathered friends warm, healthy, and comfortable.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll share winter coop product ideas to help your chickens thrive during the chilly season.
How to Help Keep Your Chickens Warm in Winter
1. Heated Drinker Base
Hydration is crucial for your chickens year-round, and the winter months are no exception. Cold temperatures can easily turn water sources into ice, making it challenging for chickens to stay hydrated.
Investing in a heated drinker base is a game-changer during winter. This device prevents water from freezing, ensuring that your flock always has access to liquid water. It's a simple yet effective solution that saves both time and effort in the chilly months.
Harris Farms® Heated Drinker Base fits metal or plastic chicken drinkers and prevents freezing water in temperatures as low as 10° Fahrenheit!
2. Extra Bedding
One of the first considerations for winterizing your chicken coop is ensuring ample bedding. Bedding serves a dual purpose in the winter days. It provides insulation against the cold winter ground and helps regulate coop humidity.
Straw or wood shavings are excellent choices for bedding material. Spread a thick layer on the coop floor to create a cozy environment that retains heat and prevents frostbite on your chickens' feet.
For example, Manna Pro’s Fresh Flakes™ bedding is eco-friendly, ultra-absorbent and helps control body temperature and odors for a warm and cozy coop.
3. Coop Odor Neutralizer
Winter confinement often means chickens spend more time indoors, and a crowded coop can lead to unpleasant odors. A coop odor neutralizer is an excellent solution to maintain a fresh and healthy environment for your chickens.
Choose a product specifically designed for poultry coops, as it will effectively neutralize odors without harming your chickens. For example, Manna Pro Coop ‘N Compost® coop odor neutralizer. Regular use will keep the coop smelling clean and help prevent respiratory issues that can arise from prolonged exposure to ammonia and other coop odors.
4. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a versatile and natural product that has various applications in chicken keeping, especially during winter. DE can be sprinkled in the coop bedding to help control pests like mites, ants, beetles and lice that want to get warm, just like your chickens.
Additionally, it aids in moisture control, which is crucial in preventing frostbite and maintaining a comfortable coop environment. As a bonus, DE is safe for chickens and provides protection against external parasites.
Check out Manna Pro Pure Defense™ Diatomaceous Earth for your winter coop!
5. Wound Salve
Cold climate conditions can be harsh on chickens, and dry skin caused by the cold can potentially lead to injuries or wounds. Having a reliable wound salve is essential for promptly addressing any cuts, scrapes, or injuries your chickens may sustain.
Look for a product with ingredients that promote healing and prevent infection, such as Manna Pro Hen Healer™ ointment. Regularly inspect your flock for injuries and apply the wound salve as needed to keep your chickens in top health throughout the winter season.
6. Poultry Wound Care Spray
In addition to the wound salve mentioned, having a poultry wound care spray in your winter coop supplies is a wise choice. A spray formulation offers convenient application, especially for hard-to-reach areas or situations where a quick, light application is preferred.
Look for a product that contains antibacterial and antifungal properties to ensure comprehensive care for your chickens' wounds. For example, MicrocynAH® Poultry Wound and Skin Care Spray.
During winter, when the risk of infection may increase, having a poultry wound care spray readily available can make a significant difference in your flock's overall health.
7. Non-GMO Purple Corn Poultry Treat
Enhance your chickens' winter diet with the nutritional benefits of Non-GMO Purple Corn. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, purple corn is a great treat addition that requires more work for the digestive system, producing more heat inside the hen's body. Check out Manna Pro's Farmhouse Favorites Sunflower Mix-Up!
Chickens often enjoy pecking at the corn, offering them both entertainment and a tasty treat. The vibrant purple hue is a natural indicator of the corn's rich anthocyanin content, known for its potential health benefits.
8. Layer Feed with Probiotics
Maintaining your chickens' digestive health is crucial, especially during winter when dietary changes and cold temperatures can impact their well-being. Consider incorporating layer feed with probiotics into their diet. This specialized feed not only provides the essential nutrients for egg production but also supports a healthy gut microbiome.
It's absolutely necessary to make sure your hens have an adequate supply of feed at all times. The probiotics in Manna Pro's 16% Layer Crumbles aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, contributing to overall immune system function and resilience against winter-related stressors.
Winterize Your Coop Now!
As winter approaches, preparing your chicken coop with the right supplies is paramount for the well-being of your feathered friends. From extra bedding to specialized wound care products, each item plays a crucial role in ensuring your chickens stay warm, healthy, and happy throughout the colder months.
By investing in these essential winter coop supplies now, you'll not only safeguard your flock but also make the winter season a more manageable and enjoyable experience for both you and your chickens.
For tips on how to winterize your coop for ultimate flock comfort and security, check out our "Winter Coop Preparation" blog.
