Can Chickens Be Kept Closed in a Coop for Extended Periods in the Winter?

Wanting to protect your chickens from the harsh winter climate by keeping them shut up in the coop may be well-intentioned, but it is ill-advised. The birds can become bored, restless and peckish if not given the option to step outside for fresh air. Keep cold-hardy breeds and learn how to keep them warm.

  1. Cold-Hardy Breeds

    • Certain breeds are more hardy to freezing temperatures; the fact is, while they won't be happy about frigid weather, they'll prefer winter to stifling hot summers. These breeds include the Australorp, Barred or Plymouth Rock, Brahma, Buckeye, Jersey Giant, Orphington, Rhode Island Red and Sussex, all of which are raised for both their meat and eggs. If you live in a cold climate, these are the breeds to purchase and raise.

    Keeping the Coop Warm

    • Prepare for cold weather by insulating the walls and ceiling of the coop. Incorporate the deep litter method in the fall, starting with 4 inches of wood shavings and hay, then adding frequently until it reaches 10 inches at the beginning of winter. The excess litter will give off more heat but still needs to be clean and dry. Though you will continue to close the coop up at night, allow for some ventilation -- moisture buildup can lead to frostbite. Wind can make the temperatures drop, so place the coop near a building that will serve as a windbreak. Shovel snow away from the coop and out of the run.

    The Heater Question

    • Heaters will keep the coop warm, though they're relatively expensive, and an improperly installed heater can become a fire hazard. Furthermore, when chickens are acclimated to the warmer temperature, a power outage will leave them unprepared for the sudden wintry conditions. With this in mind, it is best to allow your flock to simply adapt to cooler temperatures. Also consider if you already have 40- to 60-watt lights installed to replace the lost daylight for egg production, as these also emit heat.

    Food and Water

    • Help chickens put on an extra layer of body fat in the winter by supplementing, not replacing, their regular feed with cracked corn and scratch grains. This can be given to them at night before closing up the coop. As water is needed all day, you must prevent it from freezing. If you can run electricity to the coop for a heated waterer, use a double-walled, galvanized-steel water fountain. Otherwise you will need to bring warm water out to your chickens several times each day. Use this time to collect eggs, which otherwise can freeze and crack.

    Other Considerations

    • Even cold-hardy chickens are susceptible to frostbite on their combs, waddles and feet. Check these areas often; apply petroleum jelly or olive oil at night. Never put chickens younger than 12 weeks of age outside the coop during winter, as they are not able to acclimate to the temperature difference. Continue to protect your chickens from predators, who will be on the lookout for easy meals, with fencing around the coop and run. In extreme circumstances such as sudden subzero temperatures and power outages, bring your chickens indoors. A garage will suffice until you can move them back outside.