Prepping your pandemic chickens for the winter

As COVID-19 forced the nation into quarantine this spring, many people invested in chickens as a new hobby, for companionship and as a hedge against food shortages. As winter rolls in,

however, first-time chicken owners face practical questions about how to keep their hens healthy, warm and producing eggs during the months to come. Chickens provide entertainment,

farm-fresh eggs, natural fertilizer and non-toxic pest control so it's worth it to invest in their winter well-being and enjoy them year-round. I know I felt unprepared over 20 years

ago when my first winter with chickens was on the horizon. Luckily, I had considered my New England climate when choosing my chickens. Some breeds stand up to the harsh winters better than

others, and a very brave few keep laying all year round. But even the most stoic chickens need extra protection against New England blizzards, Midwestern prairie winds and low temperatures.

A few preparations now can prevent a lot of cold-weather problems down the road. WINTERIZE THE COOP Preparing a chicken coop for winter is the best way to make sure the birds are protected

through rough weather. Start with a deep clean of the coop, including removing all the chicken “furniture” — nesting boxes, feeders, waterers — and do a thorough search for any potential

maintenance headaches, like cracks, mold or rot. All of these things are easier to deal with before the temperature becomes freezing (making scrubbing difficult) and ice jacking makes cracks

worse. Fixing any cracks will also deter ground-based or burrowing predators, who will be searching for food and protection from the weather. The coop provides your flock with warmth and

shelter so moisture reduction should be an important winter focus. Choose a relatively low-moisture feed, especially if some feed is expected to sit around in a trough or feeder, and feed

chickens a bit more than usual. Hens will also need extra bedding throughout the winter, and straw is probably the best choice to reduce moisture and prevent a chicken's comb — the red

crown on top of the head — from freezing. Any water that's not in a heated waterer will need to have ice chipped out every morning and possibly several times a day. Heated waterers,

which prevent ice from forming, are low-cost and easy to install.