How To Keep Your Chickens Warm in The Winter!

To heat or not to heat, that is the question! People that are new to raising backyard chickens/laying hens often ask if they need to heat their coop?

We live in Ontario, Canada. The winter weather can get extremely cold. Like I'm talking -20 degrees C or colder and add the wind-chill, it feels even colder!

When we built our chicken coop we wanted to be certain that it would withstand these cold Canadian winters and keep our girls (chickens) safe, healthy and warm all winter long.

Ventilation is key!

Ventilation is so important for the health of your chickens. Proper ventilation helps the airflow within the coop and prevents increased moisture in the coop. Moisture in the coop can lead to frostbite as well which is something you do not want for your chickens.

We have windows all along the top our coop. During the spring, summer and fall we keep the windows open at all times. During the winter months we do close some of the windows at night time. This allows the coop to stay warm during those cold winter nights when the temperatures drop well below freezing. During the day the main door of the coop stays open which will allow the air to circulate throughout the coop.

Do you heat your coop?

This is a question we often get. We do not heat our coop! Check out the video below and I will explain!

When raising animals it is important to do your own personal research and make decisions that are best for your animals. You will always find so many different opinions and suggestions when researching online. Make decisions that you feel good about! At the end of the day these animals belong to you!

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