Keeping poultry is a lot of fun but as winter approaches, it's important for poultry keepers to think ahead a little. Whilst it seems a long way off yet, winter can be a very difficult time for us. With the cold, dark mornings and dark evenings, many of us may be opening the chicken house before work in the dark and closing it when we get home in the dark. There is no better time than now to start thinking about carrying out any repairs to your hen house and run for winter or like us many breeders bring their birds indoors to protect them from the harsh conditions of the Irish winter! . All Our birds have been wormed and given poultry booster to help them through the moulting period and prepare them for cold months ahead .
Poultry need fresh clean water in the winter just as they do in the summer. To prevent water from freezing in the coldest climates you may want to invest in a heated bowl that can be purchased from feed and hardware stores. A rubber dish can be used which will expand when ice forms and will not break like plastic. Water will freeze more quickly in metal containers. It is very important to check water containers several times a day when temperatures are at their lowest because ice will form on top and chickens may not be able to break it.
We feed a well-balanced pellet feed and wheat grain in the winter for healthy birds. A little grit is given to help break up the pellets in their crops. Adding vegetable peelings, greens and cooked vegetables will also help. Chickens need more feed in the winter to keep their body heat up. By varying their diet, they will receive the protein and calcium needed to raise their body heat and also keep the hens laying.
Winter, although it can be harsh at times, especially in certain parts of the country, should not be detrimental if your flock is prepared and properly monitored. Birds already prepare themselves by cutting back on production, molting (getting in new feathers) and increasing feed consumption. You may want to give your birds warm water periodically if the weather gets cold like us hot drinks will help warm up their bodies.
Glen,
